Electronic device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a liquid crystal panel and a camera. The liquid crystal panel includes a display area and an incident light control area. The display area includes a pixel electrode. The camera overlaps the incident light control area. The incident light control area includes an annular line, and a control electrode formed inside the annular line to be connected to the annular line. A time to apply a voltage to the control electrode is shorter than a time to apply a voltage to the pixel electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No.PCT/JP2020/023870, filed Jun. 17, 2020 and based upon and claiming thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-147982,filed Aug. 9, 2019, the entire contents of all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Recently, electronic devices such as a smartphone comprising a displayunit and a light receiving unit on the same surface side have beenwidely put into practical use. Such an electronic device comprises aliquid crystal panel and a camera located outside the liquid crystalpanel. The electronic device is required to capture clear images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration exampleof an electronic device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a surrounding of a camera ofthe electronic device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a liquidcrystal panel shown in FIG. 2 , together with an equivalent circuit ofone pixel.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a pixel array on the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a unit pixel of the liquid crystal panel,illustrating a scanning line, a signal line, a pixel electrode, and alight-shielding portion.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a main pixel different from the firstembodiment, illustrating a scanning line, a signal line, a pixelelectrode, and a light-shielding portion.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal panelincluding the pixel shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a light-shielding layer in an incidentlight control area of the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a plurality of control electrodestructures and a plurality of lead lines of the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the incident light controlarea of the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a part of the liquid crystal panel and acamera of an electronic device according to a second embodiment,together with a plan view of the liquid crystal panel and the camera,and a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel and the camera.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystalpanel, a part of an illumination device, and the camera according to thesecond embodiment.

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquidcrystal panel, a part of the illumination device, and the cameraaccording to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystalpanel, and the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquidcrystal panel, and the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a position of a part of theliquid crystal panel and the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional view showing a position of a part ofthe liquid crystal panel and the camera according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an incident light control area of theliquid crystal panel, and the camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystalpanel, a part of the illumination device, and the camera according tothe second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a liquid crystalpanel of an electronic device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a light-shielding layer in an incidentlight control area of the liquid crystal panel according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a plurality of control electrodestructures and a plurality of lead lines of a first substrate accordingto the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a counter-electrode and a lead line of asecond substrate according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a plurality of first control electrodes,a plurality of second control electrodes, and a plurality of linearcounter-electrodes according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal panel asviewed along line XXV-XXV of FIG. 24 , illustrating an insulatingsubstrate, a plurality of first control electrodes, a plurality ofsecond control electrodes, a plurality of linear counter-electrodes, anda first control liquid crystal layer.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a third control electrode structure and afourth control electrode structure according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal panel asviewed along line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26 , illustrating an insulatingsubstrate, the third control electrode structure, the fourth controlelectrode structure, the linear counter-electrode, and a second controlliquid crystal layer.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a fifth control electrode structure and asixth control electrode structure according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal panel asviewed along line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28 , illustrating an insulatingsubstrate, a plurality of fifth control electrodes, a plurality of sixthcontrol electrodes, a plurality of linear counter-electrodes, and athird control liquid crystal layer.

FIG. 30 is a plan view showing a first control electrode structure and asecond control electrode structure of a liquid crystal panel of anelectronic device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a third control electrode structure, afourth control electrode structure, a fifth control electrode, a sixthcontrol electrode, a third lead line, and a fourth lead line accordingto the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a plan view showing a first control electrode structure and asecond control electrode structure of a liquid crystal panel of anelectronic device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a third control electrode structure, afourth control electrode structure, a fifth control electrode structure,a sixth control electrode structure, a third lead line, and a fourthlead line according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal panel of an electronicdevice according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a plan view showing a scanning line and a signal line in anincident light control area of a liquid crystal panel of an electronicdevice according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a graph showing a variation of a light transmittance to a gapof a liquid crystal layer and a variation of a response speed of liquidcrystal to the gap, in a liquid crystal panel of an electronic deviceaccording to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a graph showing a variation of a response speed of the liquidcrystal to a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer, according tothe eighth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided an electronicdevice comprising: a liquid crystal panel; and a camera. The liquidcrystal panel includes a display area and an incident light controlarea. The display area includes a pixel electrode. The camera overlapsthe incident light control area. The incident light control areaincludes an annular line, and a control electrode formed inside theannular line to be connected to the annular line. A time in which avoltage is applied to the control electrode is shorter than a time inwhich a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode.

According to another embodiment, there is provided an electronic devicecomprising: a liquid crystal panel including a first substrate, a secondsubstrate, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrateand the second substrate; and a camera. The liquid crystal panelincludes a display area where an image is displayed and an incidentlight control area. The display area includes a pixel electrode. Lightfrom outside is passed through the incident light control area and ismade incident on the camera. The incident light control area includes anannular line, and a control electrode formed inside the annular line tobe connected to the annular line. A time in which a voltage is appliedto the control electrode is shorter than a time in which a voltage isapplied to the pixel electrode.

According to yet another embodiment, there is provided an electronicdevice comprising: a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquidcrystal panel and an illumination device; and a camera disposed in anopening formed in the illumination device. The liquid crystal panelincludes a display area where an image is displayed and an incidentlight control area. Light from outside is passed through the incidentlight control area and is made incident on the camera. The display areaincludes a pixel electrode. The incident light control area includes anannular light-shielding portion, and an annular incident light controlportion having an outer periphery which is in contact with the annularlight-shielding portion. The annular light-shielding portion includes anannular line. The annular incident light control portion is disposedinside the annular line and includes a control electrode connected tothe annular line. A time elapsed from start of application of a voltageto the control electrode until end of the application is shorter than atime elapsed from start of application of a voltage to the pixelelectrode until end of the application.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and properchanges within the spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivableby a skilled person, are included in the scope of the invention as amatter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make thedescription clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes, etc., of therespective parts are schematically illustrated in the drawings, comparedto the actual modes. However, the schematic illustration is merely anexample, and adds no restrictions to the interpretation of theinvention. Besides, in the specification and drawings, the same elementsas those described in connection with preceding drawings are denoted bylike reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof is omittedunless otherwise necessary.

First Embodiment

First, a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explodedperspective view showing a configuration example of an electronic device100 according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the direction X, the direction Y, and the directionZ are orthogonal to each other but may intersect at an angle other than90 degrees.

The electronic device 100 comprises a liquid crystal display device DSPand a camera (camera unit) 1. The liquid crystal display device DSPcomprises a liquid crystal panel PNL and an illumination device(backlight) IL.

The illumination device IL comprises a light guide LG1, light sourceEM1, and a casing CS. For example, the illumination device ILilluminates the liquid crystal panel PNL simply represented by a dashedline in FIG. 1 .

The light guide LG1 is formed in a flat panel shape parallel to an X-Yplane defined by the directions X and Y. The light guide LG1 is opposedto the liquid crystal panel PNL. The light guide LG1 has a side surfaceSA, a side surface SB on the side opposite to the side surface SA, and athrough hole h1 surrounding the camera 1. Each of the side surfaces SAand SB extends along the direction X. For example, the side surfaces SAand SB are surfaces parallel to an X-Z plane defined by the directions Xand Z. The through hole h1 penetrates the light guide LG1 along thedirection Z. The through hole h1 is located between the side surfaces SAand SB and is closer to the side surface SB than to the side surface SA,in the direction Y.

A plurality of light sources EM1 are arranged at intervals in the firstdirection X, and each of the light sources EM1 is mounted on a wiringboard F1 and is electrically connected to the wiring board F1. Forexample, the light source EM1 is a light-emitting diode (LED), whichemits white illumination light. The illumination light emitted from thelight source EM1 is made incident on the light guide LG1 from the sidesurface SA to travel inside the light guide LG1 from the side surface SAtoward the side surface SB.

The light guide LG1 and the light source EM1 are accommodated in thecasing CS. The casing CS has side walls W1 to W4, a bottom plate BP, athrough hole h2, and a protrusion PP. The side walls W1 and W2 extend inthe direction X and are opposed in the direction Y. The side walls W3and W4 extend in the direction Y and are opposed in the direction X. Thethrough hole h2 overlap the through hole h1 in the direction Z. Theprotrusion PP is fixed on the bottom plate BP. The protrusion PPprotrudes from the bottom plate BP toward the liquid crystal panel PNLalong the direction Z and surrounds the through hole h2.

The light guide LG1 overlaps at least a part of the liquid crystal panelPNL in planar view of the X-Y plane.

The camera 1 is mounted on a wiring board F2 and is electricallyconnected to the wiring board F2. The camera 1 penetrates the throughhole h2, the inside of the protrusion PP, and the through hole h1 and isopposed to the liquid crystal panel PNL.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a surrounding of the camera 1of the electronic device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the illumination device IL further comprises alight reflective sheet RS, a light guide LG1, a light diffusion sheetSS, and prism sheets PS1 and PS2.

The light reflective sheet RS, the light guide LG1, the light diffusionsheet SS, the prism sheet PS1, and the prism sheet PS2 are arranged inthis order in the direction Z from the casing CS side and areaccommodated in the casing CS. The casing CS comprises a metallic casingCS1 and a light-shielding wall CS2 formed of resin which serves as aperipheral member. The light-shielding wall CS2 is adjacent to thecamera 1 to form the protrusion PP together with the casing CS1. In thefirst embodiment, the light-shielding wall CS2 is located between thecamera 1 and the light guide LG1 and has a cylindrical shape. Thelight-shielding wall CS2 is formed of resin such as black resin, whichabsorbs light. Each of the light diffusion sheet SS, the prism sheetPS1, and the prism sheet PS2 has a through hole which overlaps thethrough hole h1. The protrusion PP is located inside the through holeh1.

The liquid crystal panel PNL further comprises a polarizer PL1 and apolarizer PL2. The liquid crystal panel PNL and a cover glass CG servingas a cover member are arranged in the direction Z and constitute aliquid crystal element LCD comprising an optical switch function for thelight traveling in the direction Z. The liquid crystal panel PNLincluding the liquid crystal element LCD is stuck to the illuminationdevice IL by an adhesive tape TP1. In the first embodiment, the adhesivetape TP1 is stuck to the protrusion PP, the prism sheet PS2, and thepolarizer PL1.

The liquid crystal panel PNL may have a configuration corresponding toany one of a display mode using a lateral electric field along thesubstrate main surface, a display mode using a longitudinal electricfield along the normal of the substrate main surface, a display modeusing an inclined electric field which is tilted obliquely with respectto the substrate main surface, and a display mode using an appropriatecombination of the above lateral electric field, longitudinal electricfield, and inclined electric field. The substrate main surface explainedhere is a surface parallel to the X-Y plane.

The liquid crystal panel PNL comprises a display area DA on which animage is displayed, a non-display area NDA located outside the displayarea DA, and an incident light control area PCA surrounded by thedisplay area DA and having a circular shape. The liquid crystal panelPNL comprises a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, a liquidcrystal layer LC, and a sealing member SE. The sealing member SE islocated in the non-display area NDA to bond the first substrate SUB1 andthe second substrate SUB2. The liquid crystal layer LC is located in thedisplay area DA and the incident light control area PCA and is heldbetween the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. Theliquid crystal layer LC is formed in a space surrounded by the firstsubstrate SUB1, the second substrate SUB2 and the sealing member SE.

An image is displayed on the display area DA when the liquid crystalpanel PNL controls the quantity of transmitted light emitted from theillumination device IL. The user of the electronic device 100 is locatedon the Z-directional side of the cover glass CG (in the drawing, upperside) and observes the light emitted from the liquid crystal panel PNLas an image.

In contrast, the quantity of the transmitted light is also controlled bythe liquid crystal panel PNL in the incident light control area PCA, andthe light is made incident on the camera 1 from the Z-directional sideof the cover glass CG through the liquid crystal panel PNL.

The light traveling from the illumination device IL to the cover glassCG side through the liquid crystal panel PNL is herein referred to asemitted light, and the light traveling from the cover glass CG side tothe camera 1 through the liquid crystal panel PNL is herein referred toas incident light.

Main parts of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2will be hereinafter described.

The first substrate SUB1 comprises an insulating substrate 10 and analignment film AL1. The second substrate SUB2 comprises an insulatingsubstrate 20, a color filter CF, a light-shielding layer BM, atransparent layer OC, and an alignment film AL2.

The insulating substrates 10 and 20 are transparent substrates such asglass substrates or flexible resin substrates. The alignment films AL1and AL2 are in contact with a liquid crystal layer LC.

The color filter CF, the light-shielding layer BM, and the transparentlayer OC are located between the insulating substrate 20 and the liquidcrystal layer LC. In the example illustrated, the color filter CF isprovided on the second substrate SUB2, but may be provided on the firstsubstrate SUB1. The color filter CF is located in the display area DA.

The incident light control area PCA includes at least a firstlight-shielding area LSA1 located in the outermost periphery and havingan annular shape, and a first incident light control area TA1 surroundedby the first light-shielding area LSA1 and being in contact with thefirst light-shielding area LSA1.

The light-shielding layer BM includes a light-shielding portion locatedin the display area DA to partition pixels and a frame-shapedlight-shielding portion BMB located in the non-display portion NDA. Inthe incident light control area PCA, the light-shielding layer BMincludes at least a first light-shielding portion BM1 located in thefirst light-shielding area LSA1 and having an annular shape, and a firstopening OP1 located in the first incident light control area TA1.

A boundary of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA isdefined by, for example, an inner end (end part of the display area DAside) of the light-shielding portion BMB. The sealing member SE overlapsthe light-shielding portion BMB. An inner end (i.e., an end part of thedisplay area DA side) of the sealing member SE is located at the sameposition as an inner end of the light-shielding portion BMB or isarranged closer to the non-display area NDA side than to the inner endof the light-shielding portion BMB.

The transparent layer OC is in contact with the color filter CF in thedisplay area DA, with the light-shielding portion BMB in the non-displayarea NDA, with the first light-shielding portion BM1 in the firstlight-shielding area LSA1, and with the insulating substrate 20 in thefirst incident light control area TA1. The alignment films AL1 and AL2are provided across the display area DA, the incident light control areaPCA, and the non-display area NDA.

The detailed descriptions of the color filter CF are omitted here, butthe color filter CF comprises, for example, a red colored layer arrangedat a red pixel, a green colored layer arranged at a green pixel, and ablue colored layer arranged at a blue pixel. In addition, the colorfilter CF often comprises a transparent resin layer arranged at a whitepixel. The transparent layer OC covers the color filter CF and thelight-shielding layer BM. For example, the transparent layer OC is atransparent organic insulating layer.

The camera 1 is located inside the through hole h2 of the casing CS. Thecamera 1 overlaps the cover glass CG and the liquid crystal panel PNL inthe direction Z. Incidentally, the liquid crystal panel PNL may furthercomprise an optical sheet other than the polarizers PL1 and PL2, in theincident light control area PCA. A retardation film, a light scatteringlayer, an antireflective layer or the like can be used as the opticalsheet. In the electronic device 100 comprising the liquid crystal panelPNL, the camera 1, and the like, the camera 1 is provided on a back sideof the liquid crystal panel PNL as viewed from the user of theelectronic device 100.

For example, the camera 1 comprises an optical system 2 including atleast one lens, an imaging device (image sensor) 3, and a casing 4. Theimaging device 3 includes an imaging surface 3 a which faces the liquidcrystal panel PNL side. The optical system 2 is located between theimaging surface 3 a and the liquid crystal panel PNL, and includes anincidence surface 2 a which faces the liquid crystal panel PNL side. Theoptical system 2 is located and spaced apart from the liquid crystalpanel PNL. The casing 4 accommodates at least the optical system 2 andthe imaging device 3.

The imaging device 3 receives light through the cover glass CG, theliquid crystal panel PNL, and the optical system 2. For example, thecamera 1 receives visible light (for example, light having a wavelengthrange of 400 to 700 nm) transmitted through the cover glass CG and theliquid crystal panel PNL.

The polarizer PL1 is bonded to the insulating substrate 10. Thepolarizer PL2 is bonded to the insulating substrate 20. The cover glassCG is stuck to the polarizer PL2 by a transparent adhesive layer AD.

In addition, a transparent conductive layer may be provided between thepolarizer PL2 and the insulating substrate 20 to prevent the liquidcrystal layer LC from being influenced from an electric field from theoutside, and the like. The transparent conductive layer is formed of atransparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indiumzinc oxide (IZO).

In addition, an ultra-birefringent film can be included in the polarizerPL1 or PL2. It is known that the ultra-birefringent film makes thetransmitted light non-polarized (change to natural light) when linearlypolarized light is made incident, and a subject can be captured withoutuncomfortable feeling even if the subject includes an element whichemits polarized light. For example, when the electronic device 100 orthe like is reflected in a subject of the camera 1, the luminance of theelectronic device 100 in the subject made incident on the camera 1 maybe varied and due to a relationship between the polarizers PL1 and PL2,and the angle made between the electronic device 100 which is thesubject and the polarizers, and an uncomfortable feeling may be made atimaging, since the linearly polarized light is emitted from theelectronic device 100. However, the variation in the luminance thatcauses the uncomfortable feeling can be suppressed by providing theultra-birefringent films in the polarizers PL1 and PL2.

As a film exhibiting the ultra-birefringence, for example, COSMOSHINEmanufactured by TOYOBO CO., LTD. is preferably used. Theultra-birefringence means in-plane retardation of higher than or equalto 800 nm to light in the visible range, for example, 500 nm.

Based on the above, the light from the outside is made incident on thecamera 1 through the incident light control area PCA.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the liquidcrystal panel PNL shown in FIG. 2 , together with an equivalent circuitof one pixel PX. In FIG. 3 , the liquid crystal layer LC and the sealingmember SE are represented by different hatch lines.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the display area DA is a substantially square area,but may be rounded at four corners or may be shaped in a polygon otherthan a square or a circle. The display area DA is surrounded by thesealing member SE.

The liquid crystal panel PNL has a pair of shorter sides E11 and E12extending along the direction X and a pair of longer sides E13 and E14extending along the direction Y. Incidentally, the shorter side E11 maybe referred to as a first side, the shorter side E12 may be referred toas a second side, the longer side E14 may be referred to as a thirdside, and the longer side E13 may be referred to as a fourth side. Inthe display area DA, the liquid crystal panel PNL comprises a pluralityof pixels PX arrayed in a matrix in the direction X and the direction Y.The pixels PX in the display area DA have the same circuitconfiguration. As shown and enlarged in FIG. 3 , each pixel PX comprisesa switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, aliquid crystal layer LC and the like.

The switching element SW is composed of, for example, a thin filmtransistor (TFT). The switching element SW is electrically connected toa corresponding scanning line G of a plurality of scanning lines G, acorresponding signal line S of a plurality of signal lines S, and thepixel electrode PE. A control signal to control the switching element SWis supplied to the scanning line G. An image signal such as a videosignal is supplied to the signal line S as a signal different from thecontrol signal. A common voltage is supplied to the common electrode CE.The liquid crystal layer LC is driven with a voltage (electric field)generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.For example, a capacitor CP is formed between an electrode having thesame potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having thesame potential as the pixel electrode PE.

The electronic device 100 further comprises a wiring substrate 5 and anIC chip 6.

The wiring substrate 5 is mounted on an extending portion Ex of thefirst substrate SUB1 and is coupled to the extending portion Ex. The ICchip 6 is mounted on the wiring substrate 5 and is electricallyconnected to the wiring substrate 5. Incidentally, the IC chip 6 may bemounted on the extending portion Ex and electrically connected to theextending portion Ex. In the IC chip 6, for example, a display driverwhich outputs a signal necessary for image display, and the like, areincorporated. The wiring substrate 5 may be a foldable flexible printedcircuit. The electric circuit line may be directly provided on theextending portion Ex without using the wiring substrate 5 and then theIC chip 6 may be mounted.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the array of the pixels PX on the liquidcrystal panel PNL.

As shown in FIG. 4 , each of main pixels MPX is composed of a pluralityof pixels PX. A plurality of main pixels MPX are classified into twotypes of main pixels MPXa and MPXb. Two main pixels MPXa and MPXbadjacent in the direction Y constitute a unit pixel UPX. Each of themain pixels MPXa and MPXb corresponds to a minimum unit of display of acolor image. The main pixel MPXa includes pixels PX1 a, PX2 a, and PX3a. The main pixel MPXb includes pixels PX1 b, PX2 b, and PX3 b. Inaddition, the shape of the above pixel PX is an approximateparallelogram as shown in the drawing.

Each of the main pixels MPXa and MPXb includes multicolor pixels PXwhich are arranged in the direction X. The pixels PX1 a and PX1 b arefirst color pixels and comprise colored layers CF1 of the first color.The pixels PX2 a and PX2 b are second color pixels different from thefirst color pixel and comprise colored layers CF2 of the second color.The pixels PX3 a and PX3 b are third color pixels different from thefirst color pixel and second color pixel, and comprise colored layersCF3 of the third color.

The main pixels MPXa and the main pixels MPXb are repeatedly arranged inthe direction X. Rows of the main pixels MPXa arranged in the directionX and rows of main pixels MPXb arranged in the direction X are arrangedalternately and repeatedly in the direction Y. Each pixel PX of the mainpixel MPXa extends in a first extending direction d1, and each pixel PXof the main pixel MPXb extends in a second extending direction d2.Incidentally, the first extending direction d1 is a direction differentfrom the directions X and Y. The second extending direction d2 is adirection different from the directions X and Y and the first extendingdirection d1. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the first extendingdirection d1 is a right downward direction, and the second extendingdirection d2 is a left downward direction.

When the shape of the pixel PX is an approximate parallelogram as shownin the figure, a plurality of domains different in direction of rotationof the director can be set in the unit pixel UPX. That is, it ispossible to form a number of domains with respect to the pixel of eachcolor and compensate for the property of viewing angle by combining twomain pixels MPXa and MPXb. For this reason, when the property of viewingangle is focused, one unit pixel UPX obtained by combining the mainpixels MPXa and MPXb corresponds to the minimum unit for displaying acolor image. The three-color configuration including the first coloredlayer to the third colored layer is provided in the above descriptions,but a configuration of four or more colors in which a fourth coloredlayer and the like are further arranged may be provided.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing one unit pixel UPX of the liquid crystalpanel PNL, illustrating the scanning lines G, the signal lines S, thepixel electrodes PE, and a light-shielding portion BMA. Incidentally, inFIG. 5 , only constituent elements necessary for explanations areillustrated, but illustration of the switching element SW, the commonelectrode CE, color filter CF, and the like is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the plurality of pixels PX have a configurationconforming to a fringe field switching (FFS) mode, which is one of thedisplay modes using the lateral electric field. The scanning lines G andthe signal lines S are arranged on the first substrate SUB1 whereas thelight-shielding portion BMA (light-shielding layer BM) is arranged onthe second substrate SUB2. The scanning lines G and the signal lines Scross each other and cause the display area (DA) to extend.Incidentally, the light-shielding portion BMA is a grating-shapedlight-shielding portion located in the display area DA to partition thepixels PX, and is represented by a two-dot chain line in the figure.

The light-shielding portion BMA comprises at least a function ofblocking light emitted from the above-explained illumination device(IL). The light-shielding portion BMA is formed of a material having ahigh light absorption index such as black resin. The light-shieldingportion BMA is formed in a grating shape. A plurality of light-shieldingportion BMA1 extending in the direction X and a plurality oflight-shielding portion BMA2 extending while bending in the firstextending direction d1 and the second extending direction d2 areintegrated to form the light-shielding portion BMA.

Each of the scanning lines G extends in the direction X. Each of thescanning lines G is opposed to the corresponding light-shielding portionBMA1 and extends along the corresponding light-shielding portion BMA1.The light-shielding portion BMA1 is opposed to the scanning lines G, endparts of the pixel electrodes PE, and the like. Each of the signal linesS extends while bending in the direction Y, the first extendingdirection d1, and the second extending direction d2. Each of the signallines S is opposed to the corresponding light-shielding portion BMA2 andextends along the corresponding light-shielding portion BMA2.

The light-shielding layer BM includes a plurality of apertures AP. Theapertures AP are partitioned by the light-shielding portions BMA1 andBMA2. The aperture AP of the main pixel MPXa extends in the firstextending direction d1. The aperture AP of the main pixel MPXb extendsin the second extending direction d2.

The pixel electrode PE of the main pixel MPXa includes a plurality oflinear pixel electrodes PA located in the aperture AP. A plurality oflinear pixel electrodes PA extend linearly in the first extendingdirection d1, and are arranged and spaced apart in an orthogonaldirection dc1 that is orthogonal to the first extending direction d1.The pixel electrode PE of the main pixel MPXb includes a plurality oflinear pixel electrodes PB located in the aperture AP. A plurality oflinear pixel electrodes PB extend linearly in the second extendingdirection d2, and are arranged and spaced apart in an orthogonaldirection dc2 that is orthogonal to the second extending direction d2.

In the display area DA, the above-described alignment films AL1 and AL2have an alignment axis AA parallel to the direction Y. An alignmentdirection AD1 of the alignment film AL1 is parallel to the direction Y,and an alignment direction AD2 of the alignment film AL2 is parallel tothe alignment direction AD1.

When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer (LC), a rotatedstate (aligned state) of liquid crystal molecules in the apertures AP ofthe main pixel MPXa is different from a rotated state (aligned state) ofliquid crystal molecules in the apertures AP of the main pixel MPXb.

As described above, the structure of compensating for the property ofviewing angle by one unit pixel UPX has been illustrated in FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 . Unlike the first embodiment, however, the structure maycompensate for the property of viewing angle by one main pixel MPX. FIG.6 is a plan view showing a main pixel MPX different from that of thefirst embodiment, illustrating the scanning lines G, the signal lines S,the pixel electrodes PE, and the light-shielding portion BMA.

As shown in FIG. 6 , each aperture AP is shaped in a symbol < andincludes a first aperture AP1 and a second aperture AP2. The firstaperture AP1 extends in the first extending direction d1, and the secondaperture AP2 extends in the second extending direction d2.

The pixel electrode PE comprises a plurality of linear pixel electrodesPA and a plurality of linear pixel electrodes PB. A plurality of linearpixel electrodes PA are located in the first apertures AP1, extendlinearly in the first extending direction d1, and are arranged andspaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc1. A plurality of linearpixel electrodes PB are located in the second apertures AP2, extendlinearly in the second extending direction d2, and are arranged andspaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc2. One linear pixel electrodePA and one linear pixel electrode PB formed sequentially are shaped in asymbol <.

In planar view in which the pixel PX1 is located on the left side andthe pixel PX3 is located on the right side, one linear pixel electrodePA and one linear pixel electrode PB formed sequentially may be shapedin a symbol > and the aperture AP may be shaped in a symbol >.

When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer (LC), a rotatedstate (aligned state) of liquid crystal molecules in the first aperturesAP1 is different from a rotated state (aligned state) of liquid crystalmolecules in the second apertures AP2. Each aperture AP has four domainsdifferent in rotational direction of the director. For this reason, theliquid crystal panel PNL can obtain a desirable property of viewingangle.

Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the pixel electrodes PE functionas display electrodes, and the linear pixel electrodes PA and the linearpixel electrodes PB function as linear display electrodes.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal panel PNLincluding the pixels PX1 a and PX2 a shown in FIG. 5 . The liquidcrystal panel PNL according to the first embodiment corresponds to thedisplay mode using the lateral electric field.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first substrate SUB1 comprises an insulatinglayer 11, the signal lines S, an insulating layer 12, the commonelectrode CE, a metal layer ML, an insulating layer 13, the pixelelectrodes PE, and the like between the insulating substrate 10 and thealignment film AL1.

The insulating layer 11 is provided on the insulating substrate 10. Theabove-described scanning lines (G), gate electrodes and semiconductorlayers of the switching elements SW, other insulating layers, and thelike are arranged between the insulating substrate 10 and the insulatinglayer 11, though not described in detail. The signal lines S are formedon the insulating layer 11. The insulating layer 12 is provided on theinsulating layer 11 and the signal lines S.

The common electrode CE is provided on the insulating layer 12. Themetal layer ML is provided on the common electrode CE and is in contactwith the common electrode CE. The metal layer ML is located just abovethe signal lines S. In the example illustrated, the first substrate SUB1comprises the metal layer ML but the metal layer ML may be omitted. Theinsulating layer 13 is provided on the common electrode CE and the metallayer ML.

The pixel electrodes PE are formed on the insulating layer 13. Each ofthe pixel electrodes PE is located between the adjacent signal lines Sand is opposed to the common electrode CE. In addition, each pixelelectrode PE has slits at a position opposed to the common electrode CE.The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE are formed of atransparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The insulating layer13 is sandwiched between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrodeCE. The alignment film AL1 is provided on the insulating layer 13 andthe pixel electrodes PE to cover the pixel electrode PE and the like.

In contrast, the second substrate SUB2 comprises the light-shieldinglayer BM including light-shielding portions BMA2, the color filter CFincluding colored layers CF1, CF2, and CF3, the transparent layer OC,the alignment film AL2, and the like on the side of the insulatingsubstrate 20 opposed to the first substrate SUB1. The light-shieldingportions BMA2 are formed on the inner surface of the insulatingsubstrate 20. The light-shielding portions BMA2 are located just abovethe signal lines S and the metal layer ML. The colored layers CF1 andCF2 are formed on the inner surface of the insulating substrate 20, andpartially overlap the light-shielding portions BMA2. The transparentlayer OC covers the color filter CF. The alignment film AL2 covers thetransparent layer OC.

Unlike the first embodiment, the liquid crystal panel PNL may beconfigured without the light-shielding portions BMA2 and BMA1 (FIG. 6 )in the display area DA. IN this case, in the display area DA, the metallayer ML may be formed in a grating shape and, instead of thelight-shielding portions BMA1 and BMA2, the metal layer ML may be madeto comprise the light shielding function.

The liquid crystal layer LC includes a display liquid crystal layer LCIlocated in the display area DA. For example, in an off state in which novoltage (electric field) is generated between the pixel electrodes PEand the common electrode CE and no voltage is applied to the displayliquid crystal layer LCI, in the pixel PX1 a, the liquid crystalmolecules included in the display liquid crystal layer LCI are subjectedto initial alignment in a predetermined direction between the alignmentfilms AL1 and AL2. That is, in the normally-black mode, for example, thepixel PX1 a has a minimum transmittance and exhibits black. In the pixelPX1 a, the liquid crystal panel PNL exerts the light shielding function.

In contrast, in an on state in which a voltage (electric field) isgenerated between the pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CEand a voltage is applied to the display liquid crystal layer LCI, in thepixel PX1 a, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a directiondifferent from the initial alignment direction, and the alignmentdirection is controlled by the electric field. In the pixel PX1 a, theliquid crystal panel PNL exerts the light transmitting function. Forthis reason, the pixel PX1 a in the on state exhibits a colorcorresponding to the colored layer CF1.

The above-described mode of the liquid crystal panel PNL is what iscalled a normally-black mode, which displays black in the off state, butmay be what is called a normally-white mode, which displays black in theon state (and displays white in the off state).

In the first embodiment, the electrode closer to the display liquidcrystal layer LCI (liquid crystal layer LC), of the pixel electrode PEand the common electrode CE, is the pixel electrode PE, and the pixelelectrode PE functions as the display electrode as described above.However, the electrode closer to the display liquid crystal layer LCI(liquid crystal layer LC), of the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE, may be the common electrode CE. In this case, the commonelectrode CE functions as the display electrode as described above andincludes linear display electrodes instead of the pixel electrodes PE.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a light-shielding layer BM in an incidentlight control area PCA of the liquid crystal panel PNL. As shown in FIG.8 , the incident light control area PCA includes a second incident lightcontrol area TA2 in the center, and includes the first light-shieldingarea LSA1, the first incident light control area TA1, a thirdlight-shielding area LSA3, a third incident light control area TA3, asecond light-shielding area LSA2, and the second incident light controlarea TA2, from the outside to the center.

The first light-shielding area LSA1 is located on the outermostperiphery of the incident light control area PCA and has an annularshape. The first incident light control area TA1 is surrounded by thefirst light-shielding area LSA1, is in contact with the firstlight-shielding area LSA1, and has an annular shape. The second incidentlight control area TA2 is located in the center of the incident lightcontrol area PCA and has a circular shape. The second light-shieldingarea LSA2 is in contact with the second incident light control area TA2to surround the second incident light control area TA2, and has anannular shape. The third light-shielding area LSA3 is surrounded by thefirst incident light control area TA1, is in contact with the firstincident light control area TA1, and has an annular shape. The thirdincident light control area TA3 is surrounded by the thirdlight-shielding area LSA3, is in contact with the third light-shieldingarea LSA3 and the second light-shielding area LSA2, and has an annularshape.

In the incident light control area PCA, the light-shielding layer BMincludes the first light-shielding portion BM1, the first opening OP1, asecond light-shielding portion BM2, a second opening OP2, a thirdlight-shielding portion BM3, and a third opening OP3. The firstlight-shielding portion BM1 is located in the first light-shielding areaLSA1 and has an annular shape. The second light-shielding portion BM2 islocated in the second light-shielding area LSA2 and has an annularshape. The third light-shielding portion BM3 is located in the thirdlight-shielding area LSA3 and has an annular shape.

Each light shielding portion of the first light-shielding portion BM1,the second light-shielding portion BM2, and the third light-shieldingportion BM3 may be referred to as an annular light shielding portion.

The first opening OP1 is located in the first incident light controlarea TA1 and has an annular shape. The second opening OP2 is located inthe second incident light control area TA2 and has a circular shape. Thethird opening OP3 is located in the third incident light control areaTA3 and has an annular shape.

The incident light control area PCA includes a first annular incidentlight control portion which is located at the first opening OP1 and atwhich a first control electrode RL1 and a second control electrode RL2to be described later are formed, a circular incident light controlportion which is located at the second opening OP2 and at which a thirdcontrol electrode structure RE3 (third control electrode RL3) and afourth control electrode structure RE4 (fourth control electrode RL4) tobe described later are formed, and a second annular incident lightcontrol portion which is located at the third opening OP3 and at which afifth control electrode RL5 and a sixth control electrode RL6 to bedescribed later are formed.

The first annular incident light control portion has an outer peripherywhich is in contact with the first light-shielding portion BM1 and aninner periphery which is in contact with the third light-shieldingportion BM3. An outer periphery of the circular incident light controlportion is in contact with the second light-shielding portion BM2. Thesecond annular incident light control portion has an outer peripherywhich is in contact with the third light-shielding portion BM3 and aninner periphery which is in contact with the second light-shieldingportion BM2.

In the first embodiment, the incident light control area PCA furtherincludes a fourth light-shielding area LSA4 and a fifth light-shieldingarea LSA5. The fourth light-shielding area LSA4 extends linearly in thefirst extending direction d1 from the second light-shielding area LSA2to the third light-shielding area LSA3. The fifth light-shielding areaLSA5 extends linearly in the first extending direction d1 from the thirdlight-shielding area LSA3 to the first light-shielding area LSA1. Thefifth light-shielding area LSA5 is in line with the fourthlight-shielding area LSA4 in the first extending direction d1. Based onthe above, each of the second incident light control area TA2 and thethird incident light control area TA3 is shaped in a substantially Cletter.

In the first embodiment, the light-shielding layer BM further includes afourth light-shielding portion BM4 and a fifth light-shielding portionBM5. The fourth light-shielding portion BM4 is located in the fourthlight-shielding area LSA4 and extends linearly in the first extendingdirection d1 from the second light-shielding portion BM2 to the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3. The fifth light-shielding portion BM5 islocated in the fifth light-shielding area LSA5 and extends linearly inthe first extending direction d1 from the third light-shielding portionBM3 to the first light-shielding portion BM1.

An outer peripheral circle of the first light-shielding portion BM1, anouter peripheral circle of the first incident light control area TA1, anouter peripheral circle of the second light-shielding portion BM2, thesecond incident light control area TA2, an outer peripheral circle ofthe third light-shielding portion BM3, and an outer peripheral circle ofthe third incident light control area TA3 are concentric circles.

However, the liquid crystal panel PNL may configured without the fourthlight-shielding area LSA4, the fifth light-shielding area LSA5, thefourth light-shielding portion BM4, and the fifth light-shieldingportion BM5 in the incident light control area PCA. This is because aninfluence given to the amount of the light by a lead line L to bedescribed later, without providing the fourth light-shielding portionBM4 and the fifth light-shielding portion BM5, is very small and can becorrected.

In addition, the liquid crystal panel PNL may be configured without thethird light-shielding area LSA3, the third light-shielding portion BM3,and the third incident light control area TA3. In this case, the firstincident light control area TA1 may be in contact with the outerperiphery of the second light-shielding area LSA2.

The areas will be explained with examples of concrete numerical values.In the first embodiment, a width WI1 of the first light-shieldingportion BM1 is in a range from 800 to 900 μm, a width WI3 of the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3 is in a range from 30 to 40 μm, a width WI2of the second light-shielding portion BM2 is in a range from 30 to 40μm, a width WI5 of the fifth light-shielding portion BM5 is in a rangefrom 60 to 70 μm, and a width WI4 of the fourth light-shielding portionBM4 is in a range from 30 to 40 μm, in the radial direction of theincident light control area PCA.

The width WI1 is larger than each of the widths WI3 and WI2. The firstwidth obtained by subtracting the inner diameter from the outer diameterof the first light-shielding portion BM1 is larger than the widthobtained by subtracting the inner diameter from the outer diameter ofthe third light-shielding portion BM3. In addition, the first width islarger than the third width obtained by subtracting the inner diameterfrom the outer diameter of the second light-shielding portion BM2.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a plurality of control electrodestructures RE and a plurality of lead lines L, illustrating an electrodestructure of the incident light control area PCA of the liquid crystalpanel PNL. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 8 , the liquid crystal panel PNLcomprises a first control electrode structure RE1, a second controlelectrode structure RE2, the third control electrode structure RE3, thefourth control electrode structure RE4, a fifth control electrodestructure RE5, a sixth control electrode structure RE6, a first leadline L1, a second lead line L2, a third lead line L3, a fourth lead lineL4, a fifth lead line L5, and a sixth lead line L6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing that the electrode has aconfiguration conforming to the In-Plane Switching (IPS) mode in theincident light control area PCA.

The first control electrode structure RE1 comprises a first power supplyline CL1 and the first control electrodes RL1.

The first power supply line CL1 is located in the first light-shieldingarea LSA1 and includes a first line WL1 having an annular shape. In thefirst embodiment, the first line WL1 has a C-letter shape and is formedto divide the circular shape in an area where the second lead line L2 tothe sixth lead line L6 pass.

A plurality of first control electrodes RL1 are located in the firstlight-shielding area LSA1 and the first incident light control area TA1,are electrically connected to the first line WL1, extend linearly in thefirst extending direction d1, and are arranged and spaced apart in theorthogonal direction dc1. In the first embodiment, the first line WL1and the first control electrode RL1 are formed integrally. The firstcontrol electrode RL1 is arranged inside the first line WL1.

A plurality of first control electrodes RL1 include two types of controlelectrodes, and one of the types includes the first control electrodeRL1 having both ends connected to the first line WL1 while the otherincludes the first control electrode RL1 having one end connected to thefirst line WL1 and the other end not connected to the first line WL1.

The second control electrode structure RE2 comprises a second powersupply line CL2 and the second control electrodes RL2.

The second power supply line CL2 is located in the first light-shieldingarea LSA1 and includes a second line WL2 having an annular shape. In thefirst embodiment, the second line WL2 has a C-letter shape and is formedto divide the circular shape in an area where the third lead line L3 tothe sixth lead line L6 pass. The second line WL2 is adjacent to thefirst line WL1. An inner diameter of the second line WL2 is smaller thanan inner diameter of the first line WL1. In the first embodiment, thesecond line WL2 is located on an inner side than the first line WL1 butmay be located on an outer side than the first line WL1. In this case,the inner diameter of the second line WL2 may be larger than the innerdiameter of the first line WL1.

A plurality of second control electrodes RL2 are located in the firstlight-shielding area LSA1 and the first incident light control area TA1,are electrically connected to the second line WL2, extend linearly inthe first extending direction d1, and are arranged and spaced apart inthe orthogonal direction dc1. In the first embodiment, the second lineWL2 and the second control electrodes RL2 are formed integrally. Thesecond control electrode RL2 is arranged inside the second line WL2.

A plurality of second control electrodes RL2 include two types ofcontrol electrodes, and one of the types includes the second controlelectrode RL2 having both ends connected to the second line WL2 whilethe other includes the second control electrode RL2 having one endconnected to the second line WL2 and the other end not connected to thesecond line WL2.

A plurality of first control electrodes RL1 and a plurality of secondcontrol electrodes RL2 are arranged alternately in the orthogonaldirection dc1.

The third control electrode structure RE3 and the fourth controlelectrode structure RE4 are located in the second light-shielding areaLSA2 and the second incident light control area TA2. The third controlelectrode structure RE3 and the fourth control electrode structure RE4are shown as semicircular shapes having parallel sides in the firstextending direction d1. The side of the third control electrodestructure RE3 and the side of the fourth control electrode structure RE4are located and spaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc1.Incidentally, approximate shapes of the third control electrodestructure RE3 and the fourth control electrode structure RE4 are shownas semicircular shapes but their detailed structures will be describedlater.

The fifth control electrode structure RE5 comprises a fifth power supplyline CL5 and fifth control electrodes RL5.

The fifth power supply line CL5 is located in the third light-shieldingarea LSA3 and includes a fifth line WL5 having an annular shape. In thefirst embodiment, the fifth line WL5 has a C-letter shape and is formedto divide the circular shape in an area where the third lead line L3,the fourth lead line L4, and the sixth lead line L6 pass.

A plurality of fifth control electrodes RL5 are located in the thirdlight-shielding area LSA3 and the third incident light control area TA3,are electrically connected to the fifth line WL5, extend linearly in thefirst extending direction d1, and are arranged and spaced apart in theorthogonal direction dc1. In the first embodiment, the fifth line WL5and the fifth control electrode RL5 are formed integrally. The fifthcontrol electrode RL5 is arranged inside the fifth line WL5.

A plurality of fifth control electrodes RL5 include two types of controlelectrodes, and one of the types includes the fifth control electrodeRL5 having both ends connected to the fifth line WL5 while the otherincludes the fifth control electrode RL5 having one end connected to thefifth line WL5 and the other end not connected to the fifth line WL5.

The sixth control electrode structure RE6 comprises a sixth power supplyline CL6 and sixth control electrodes RL6.

The sixth power supply line CL6 is located in the third light-shieldingarea LSA3 and includes a sixth line WL6 having an annular shape. In thefirst embodiment, the sixth line WL6 has a C-letter shape and is formedto divide the circular shape in an area where the third lead line L3 andthe fourth lead line L4 pass. The sixth line WL6 is adjacent to thefifth line WL5. An inner diameter of the fifth line WL5 is smaller thanan inner diameter of the second line WL2. An inner diameter of the sixthline WL6 is smaller than an inner diameter of the fifth line WL5. In thefirst embodiment, the sixth line WL6 is located on an inner side thanthe fifth line WL5 but may be located on an outer side than the fifthline WL5. In this case, the inner diameter of the sixth line WL6 may belarger than the inner diameter of the fifth line WL5.

A plurality of sixth control electrodes RL6 are located in the thirdlight-shielding area LSA3 and the third incident light control area TA3,are electrically connected to the sixth line WL6, extend linearly in thefirst extending direction d1, and are arranged and spaced apart in theorthogonal direction dc1. In the first embodiment, the sixth line WL6and the sixth control electrode RL6 are formed integrally. The sixthcontrol electrode RL6 is arranged inside the sixth line WL6.

A plurality of sixth control electrodes RL6 include two types of controlelectrodes, and one of the types includes the sixth control electrodeRL6 having both ends connected to the sixth line WL6 while the otherincludes the sixth control electrode RL6 having one end connected to thesixth line WL6 and the other end not connected to the sixth line WL6.

A plurality of fifth control electrodes RL5 and a plurality of sixthcontrol electrodes RL6 are arranged alternately in the orthogonaldirection dc1.

The liquid crystal panel PNL has a configuration conforming to theIn-Plane Switching (IPS) mode, which is one of the display modes usingthe lateral electric field in the incident light control area PCA. Eachof the above-described first control electrode RL1 to sixth controlelectrode RL6 has a shape different from the above-described shape ofthe pixel electrode PE conforming to the FFS mode.

As represented by the first control electrode RL1 and the second controlelectrode RL2, voltages are supplied to the alternately arranged controlelectrodes, and the liquid crystal molecules are driven by the potentialdifference generated between the electrodes. For example, it is possibleto extend the line from the display area DA, supply the same videosignal as that of the pixel electrode to the first control electrode RL1and supply the same common voltage as that of the common electrode tothe second control electrode RL2. In addition, it is possible to supplya signal positive to the common voltage to the first control electrodeRL1 and supply a negative signal to the second control electrode RL2.

In the incident light control area PCA, the above-described alignmentfilms AL1 and AL2 have an alignment axis AA parallel to the direction Y.That is, the alignment axis AA of the alignment films AL1 and AL2 isparallel in the display area DA and the incident light control area PCA.In the incident light control area PCA, the alignment direction AD1 ofthe alignment film AL1 is parallel to the direction Y, and the alignmentdirection AD2 of the alignment film AL2 is parallel to the alignmentdirection AD1.

In a state in which a voltage is not applied to the liquid crystal layerLC, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules ofthe display area DA is the same as the initial alignment direction ofthe liquid crystal molecules of the incident light control area PCA. Theabove-described linear pixel electrodes (linear display electrodes) PAand the control electrodes RL extend in parallel. On the X-Y plane ofthe first embodiment, each of the first extending direction d1 and thesecond extending direction d2 is inclined to the direction Y at 10degrees. For this reason, the direction of rotation of the liquidcrystal molecules can be arranged by the display area DA and theincident light control area PCA. The inclination of the linear pixelelectrodes PA has been described. However, the above-described mattersare the same in a case of replacing the inclination of the linear pixelelectrodes PA with the inclination of the slit of the common electrode.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the incident light controlarea PCA of the liquid crystal panel PNL. In FIG. 10 , illustration ofthe signal lines S, the scanning lines G, and the like is omitted. Asshown in FIG. 10 , the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched between one ormore conductors, of the first wiring line WL1, the first controlelectrode RL1, the second line WL2, the second control electrode RL2,the third control electrode structure RE3, the fourth control electrodestructure RE4, the fifth line WL5, the fifth control electrode RL5, thesixth line WL6, and the sixth control electrode RL6, and the remainingconductors of the first wiring line WL1, the first control electrodeRL1, the second line WL2, the second control electrode RL2, the thirdcontrol electrode structure RE3, the fourth control electrode structureRE4, the fifth line WL5, the fifth control electrode RL5, the sixth lineWL6, and the sixth control electrode RL6.

The above-mentioned one or more conductors are provided in the samelayer as one of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, andis formed of the same material as the one of the electrodes. Theremaining conductors are provided in the same layer as the other of thepixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, and is formed of thesame material as the other of the electrodes.

In the first embodiment, the second line WL2, the second controlelectrode RL2, the fourth control electrode structure RE4, the sixthline WL6, and the sixth control electrode RL6 are provided on theinsulating layer 12 and covered with the insulating layer 13. The secondline WL2, the second control electrode RL2, the fourth control electrodestructure RE4, the sixth line WL6, and the sixth control electrode RL6are provided in the same layer as the common electrode CE and formed ofthe same transparent conductive material as the common electrode CE.

The first line WL1, the first control electrode RL1, the third controlelectrode structure RE3, the fifth line WL5, and the fifth controlelectrode RL5 are provided on the insulating layer 13 and covered withthe alignment film AL1. The first control electrode RL1, the thirdcontrol electrode structure RE3, the fifth line WL5, and the fifthcontrol electrode RL5 are provided in the same layer as the pixelelectrode PE and formed of the same transparent conductive material asthe pixel electrode PE.

For example, the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched between the firstcontrol electrode RL1 (first control electrode structure RE1) and thesecond control electrode RL2 (second control electrode structure RE2).

In the incident light control area PCA, the first to sixth lead lines L1to L6 extend in the first extending direction d1. The first to sixthlead lines L1 to L6 are formed of a metal. For example, the first tosixth lead lines L1 to L6 are located in the same layer as theabove-mentioned metal layer ML and formed of the same material as themetal layer ML.

The first lead line L1 is electrically connected to the first line WL1(first power supply line CL1). The second lead line L2 passes through aseparated part of the first line WL1 and is electrically connected tothe second line WL2 (second power supply line CL2).

The third lead line L3 passes between separated parts of the first lineWL1, second line WL2, fifth line WL5, and sixth line WL6, and the firstlead line L1 and second lead line L2 and is electrically connected tothe third control electrode structure RE3. The fourth lead line L4passes between separated parts of the first line WL1, second line WL2,fifth line WL5, and sixth line WL6, and the second lead line L2 andthird lead line L3 and is electrically connected to the fourth controlelectrode structure RE4.

The fifth lead line L5 passes between separated parts of the first lineWL1 and second line WL2, and the second lead line L2 and fourth leadline L4 and is electrically connected to the fifth line WL5 (fifth powersupply line CL5). The sixth lead line L6 passes between separated partsof the first line WL1, second line WL2 and fifth line WL5, and the firstlead line L1 and third lead line L3 and is electrically connected to thesixth line WL6 (sixth power supply line CL6).

The first to sixth lead lines L1 to L6 are bundled to cause an areacovered with one light-shielding portion (BMA2) in the display area DAto extend. However, the first to sixth lead lines L1 to L6 may not bebundled, and each of the first to sixth lead lines L1 to L6 may cause atleast one of the light-shielding portions BMA1 and BMA2 to extend in thedisplay area DA.

Incidentally, the first power supply line CL1, the second power supplyline CL2, the fifth power supply line CL5, the sixth power supply lineCL6, and the first to sixth lead lines L1 to L6 may be formed of astacked layer body of transparent conductive layers and metal layers.

As described with reference to FIG. 7 , the pixel electrodes PE and thecommon electrode CE in the display area DA are formed of a transparentconductive material (transparent conductive film), and the pixel PXincludes transparent conductive films of two different layers. Asdescribed later, the first line WL1 to the sixth line WL6 can be formedof one of the transparent conductive films of two layers, and the firstcontrol electrode RL1 to the sixth control electrode RL6 can be formedof the other transparent conductive film, to enable the first controlelectrode RL1 to the sixth control electrode RL6 to be formed in thesame layer. Incidentally, the first line WL1 to the sixth line WL6 canalso be formed of multi-layered films of the transparent conductivefilms and metal films.

In the incident light control area PCA, the alignment film AL1 coversthe first line WL1, the first control electrode RL1, the second lineWL2, the second control electrode RL2, the third control electrodestructure RE3, fourth control electrode structure RE4, the fifth lineWL5, the fifth control electrode RL5, the sixth line WL6, and the sixthcontrol electrode RL6 and is in contact with the liquid crystal layerLC. A pitch in the orthogonal direction dc1 between the first controlelectrode RL1 and the second control electrode RL2 is referred to as apitch pi1, and a pitch in the orthogonal direction dc1 between the fifthcontrol electrode RL5 and the sixth control electrode RL6 is referred toas a pitch pi2. In other words, the pitch pi1 is a pitch in theorthogonal direction dc1 between a center of the first controlelectrodes RL1 and a center of the second control electrode RL2. Thepitch pi2 is a pitch in the orthogonal direction dc1 between a center ofthe fifth control electrodes RL5 and a center of the sixth controlelectrode RL6.

Each of the pitches pi1 and pi2 may be constant but, desirably, is setat random. Optical interference caused when the pitches pi1 and pi2 areset to be constant can be thereby prevented.

In the second substrate SUB2, the color filter CF is not provided in theincident light control area PCA.

The liquid crystal layer LC includes a first control liquid crystallayer LC1 located in the first incident light control area TA1, a secondcontrol liquid crystal layer LC2 located in the second incident lightcontrol area TA2, and a third control liquid crystal layer LC3 locatedin the third incident light control area TA3.

A voltage generated by the first control electrode RL1 and the secondcontrol electrode RL2 is applied to the first control liquid crystallayer LC1. A voltage generated by the third control electrode structureRE3 and the fourth control electrode structure RE4 is applied to thesecond control liquid crystal layer LC2. A voltage generated by thefifth control electrode RL5 and the sixth control electrode RL6 isapplied to the third control liquid crystal layer LC3.

In the first embodiment, voltages (electric fields) generated between aplurality of first control electrodes RL1 and a plurality of secondcontrol electrodes RL2 are applied to the first control liquid crystallayer LC1. A voltage (electric field) generated between the thirdcontrol electrode structure RE3 and the fourth control electrodestructure RE4 is applied to the second control liquid crystal layer LC2.Voltages (electric fields) generated between a plurality of fifthcontrol electrodes RL5 and a plurality of sixth control electrodes RL6are applied to the third control liquid crystal layer LC3.

A first control voltage is supplied to the first control electrodestructure RE1 via the first lead line L1, a second control voltage issupplied to the second control electrode structure RE2 via the secondlead line L2, a third control voltage is supplied to the third controlelectrode structure RE3 via the third lead line L3, a fourth controlvoltage is supplied to the fourth control electrode structure RE4 viathe fourth lead line L4, a fifth control voltage is supplied to thefifth control electrode structure RE5 via the fifth lead line L5, and asixth control voltage is supplied to the sixth control electrodestructure RE6 via the sixth lead line L6.

The voltage levels of the first control voltage, the third controlvoltage, and the fifth control voltage may be the same as the voltagelevel of either of the image signal and the common voltage, and thevoltage levels of the second control voltage, the fourth controlvoltage, and the sixth control voltage may be the same as the voltagelevel of the other of the image signal and the common voltage.

Alternatively, the first control voltage, the third control voltage, andthe fifth control voltage may have a voltage level of a first polarityto the common voltage, and the second control voltage, the fourthcontrol voltage, and the sixth control voltage may have a voltage levelof a second polarity to the common voltage. Incidentally, one of thefirst polarity and the second polarity is a positive polarity while theother is a negative polarity.

A state of an opening of a diaphragm DP will be defined before theincident light control area PCA is described as the diaphragm DP. Theliquid crystal display device DSP sets the diaphragm DP to a state (openstate) of opening at the maximum level by drive under a first condition.The liquid crystal display device DSP sets the diaphragm DP to a stateof narrowing at the minimum level by drive under a second condition. Theliquid crystal display device DSP sets the diaphragm DP to a middlestate between the state of opening at the maximum level and the state ofnarrowing at the minimum level by drive under a third condition. Theliquid crystal display device DSP sets the diaphragm DP to a closedstate by drive under a fourth condition.

As described above, the incident light control area PCA includes thefirst incident light control area TA1, the third incident light controlarea TA3, and the second incident light control area TA2 from theoutside to the center, and transmissive/non-transmissive states of thefirst incident light control area TA1, the third incident light controlarea TA3, and the second incident light control area TA2 conforming tothe first to fourth conditions are as follows.

For example, when the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, the secondcontrol liquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquid crystallayer LC3 are driven under the first condition, the liquid crystal panelPNL sets the first incident light control area TA1, the second incidentlight control area TA2, and the third incident light control area TA3 toa transmissive state.

When the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, the second controlliquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3are driven under the second condition, the liquid crystal panel PNL setsthe second incident light control area TA2 to the transmissive state andset the first incident light control area TA1 and the third incidentlight control area TA3 to the non-transmissive state.

When the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, the second controlliquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3are driven under the third condition, the liquid crystal panel PNL setsthe third incident light control area TA3 and the second incident lightcontrol area TA2 to the transmissive state and sets the first incidentlight control area TA1 to the non-transmissive state.

When the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, the second controlliquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3are driven under the fourth condition, the liquid crystal panel PNL setsthe first incident light control area TA1, the third incident lightcontrol area TA3, and the second incident light control area TA2 to thenon-transmissive state. The non-transmissive state refers to alight-shielding state or a state in which the transmittance is lowerthan that of the transmissive state.

Based on the above, the incident light control area PCA of the liquidcrystal panel PNL constitutes a diaphragm of the camera 1. For thisreason, the diaphragm can be opened (first condition), narrowed (thirdcondition), further narrowed (second condition), or closed (fourthcondition), and images can be captured by the camera 1 while changingthe depth of focus. The liquid crystal panel PNL can concentrically openor narrow the diaphragm. In other words, the liquid crystal panel PNLcan concentrically control the light transmissive area in the incidentlight control area PCA.

The diaphragm under the second condition can function as a pinhole whichadjusts the amount of light incident on the camera 1. When the distancebetween the camera 1 and the subject is several cm, the resolution ofthe camera 1 can be improved and clear images can be captured at apoint-blank range from the subject. As an example of imaging in a casewhere the subject is close to the camera 1, a fingerprint can becaptured for fingerprint authentication. In addition, in a case of alarge amount of light, imaging using a pinhole is effective.

According to the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronicdevice 100 according to the first embodiment configured as describedabove, the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronic device100 capable of controlling the light transmissive area of the incidentlight control area PCA can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described. An electronic device 100 isconstituted similarly to the first embodiment except for constituentelements described in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view showing apart of the liquid crystal panel PNL and the camera 1 of the electronicdevice 100 according to the second embodiment, together with a plan viewof the liquid crystal panel PNL and the camera 1, and a cross-sectionalview of the liquid crystal panel PNL and the camera 1. In the drawing,an outer shape of the camera 1 is shown. As regards the light-shieldinglayer BM, the only first light-shielding portion BM1 in the incidentlight control area PCA is shown.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the liquid crystal panel PNL constitutes thediaphragm DP which concentrically changes the light transmissive area inthe incident light control area PCA. The diaphragm DP is located infront of the camera 1 (i.e., on a side of a cover glass DP of a liquidcrystal display device DSP) such that the light passing through thediaphragm DP is made incident on the camera 1. The diaphragm DP cancontrol the amount of the light incident on the camera 1 by using thefunction of controlling the amount of the transmitted light of theliquid crystal panel PNL. As described below, an outer diameter of thediaphragm DP is determined based on a diameter DI2 of an effectiveopening EA of the optical system 2 (camera 1), and an inner diameter DI1of the first light-shielding portion BM1 is larger than the diameter DI2of the effective opening EA of the optical system 2 (camera 1). Thefirst light-shielding portion BM1 is formed outside the outer peripheryof the diaphragm DP to block unnecessary light. Since the boundary isclear, the outer periphery of the diaphragm DP will be described withreference to the inner periphery Il of the first light-shielding portionBM1. The diaphragm DP can increase or decrease the amount of the lightincident on the camera 1 by blocking the light on the inner side of theinner periphery Il of the first light-shielding portion BM1. The firstlight-shielding portion BM1 having the width WI1 surrounds the effectiveopening EA and covers the first light-shielding area LSA1 which is notused for display of the periphery of the camera 1.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystalpanel PNL, a part of the illumination device IL, and the camera 1according to the second embodiment.

The liquid crystal panel PNL comprises a first substrate SUB1, a secondsubstrate SUB2, a liquid crystal layer LC, a polarizer PL1, a polarizerPL2, and the like. In the figure, the liquid crystal layer LC isrepresented by a line between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2.

The illumination device IL comprises a light guide LG1 which causes thelight from the light source EM1 to be emitted as planar light, a lightreflective sheet RS which reflects the light from the light guide LG1 tothe liquid crystal panel PNL side, an optical sheet which controls thedirection of the light from the light guide LG1, and the like. Theoptical sheet includes, for example, a light diffusion sheet SS and aprism sheet PS. The prism sheet PS may include a prism sheet PS1 and aprism sheet PS2 shown in FIG. 2 .

In the illumination device IL, an opening ILO at which the camera 1 isarranged is formed, and a light-shielding wall CS2 is arranged betweenthe light guide LG1, etc., and the opening ILO. The adhesive tape TP1 isstuck to the light-shielding wall CS2 to fix the prism sheet PS. Theadhesive tape TP1 also comprises a function of blocking unnecessarylight near the light-shielding wall CS2. In addition, the illuminationdevice IL comprises a resin frame FR located at a peripheral portion ofthe illumination device IL to accommodate the light guide LG1 and thelike.

The camera 1 is arranged near the end portion of the liquid crystalpanel PNL.

Next, an angle of the light incident on the effective opening EA of thecamera 1 will be described. The angle of the light in a virtual planeincluding a central axis AX1 of the optical system 2 (camera 1) and anorthogonal axis AX2 orthogonal to the central axis AX1 as shown in FIG.12 will be defined and described.

A point on the outermost periphery of the effective opening EA of theoptical system 2 is referred to as a first point P1. A straight linepassing at the first point P1 is referred to as a first reference lineRF1. The other point on the outermost periphery of the effective openingEA is referred to as a third point P3. A straight line passing at thethird point P3 is referred to as a second reference line RF2. A straightline passing at the first point P1, the central axis AX1, and the thirdpoint P3 is referred to as a third reference line RF3. A point where thefirst reference line RF1 intersects the second reference line RF2 isreferred to as a fifth point P5. A point where the central axis AX1intersects the third reference line RF3 is referred to as a sixth pointP6.

The sixth point P6 is also a center of the effective opening EA. Thecentral axis AX1 is orthogonal to the third reference line RF3. Inaddition, the central axis AX1 is a line perpendicular to a plane formedby the effective opening EA and, in general, optical axis of the camera1 (optical system 2). The first reference line RF1 and the secondreference line RF2 are also optical paths of the outermost optical beamof the luminous flux used for capturing, which is determined by thefocal length of the camera 1 and the size of the above-mentioned imagingsurface 3 a.

The effective opening EA has a circle symmetry with the central axisAX1. The central axis AX1 passes at fifth point P5. The first referenceline RF1 intersects the central axis AX1 at an angle θ. The secondreference line RF2 also intersects the central axis AX1 at the angle θ.Incidentally, a double of the angle θ, i.e., angle 2θ is an angle ofview according to the camera 1.

The light-shielding wall CS2 is adjacent to the camera 1 in thedirection parallel to a third reference line RF3. The light-shieldingwall CS2 is located between the camera 1 and the light guide LG1 and hasa cylindrical shape.

Next, a third distance DT3 and the inner diameter DI1 will be described.The third distance DT3 is a linear distance on the central axis AX1 fromthe fifth point P5 to the opening (second opening OP2) of thelight-shielding layer BM. FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional viewshowing a part of the liquid crystal panel PNL, a part of theillumination device IL, and the camera 1 according to the secondembodiment. The angle of the light in a virtual plane including thecentral axis AX1 and the orthogonal axis AX2 will be defined anddescribed here, too.

As shown in FIG. 13 , a point on the inner periphery Il of the firstlight-shielding portion BM1 close to the first point P1 is referred toas a second point P2. A point on the inner periphery Il of the firstlight-shielding portion BM1 close to the third point P3 is referred toas a fourth point P4. The first reference line RF1 is a straight linepassing at the first point P1 and the second point P2. The secondreference line RF2 is a straight line passing at the third point P3 andthe fourth point P4.

The light beam intersecting the central axis AX1 at an angle smallerthan or equal to the angle θ, of the light traveling from the side outerthan the second point P2 (right side in the figure) to the camera 1, isnot made incident on the effective opening EA since the light beampasses outside the effective opening EA. In addition, the light beamintersecting the central axis AX1 at an angle smaller than or equal tothe angle θ, of the light traveling from the side outer than the fourthpoint P4 (left side in the figure) to the camera 1, is not made incidenton the effective opening EA. Even when the first incident light controlarea (TA1) is located on the right side of the second point P2 and theleft side of the fourth point P4, the amount of the light incident onthe effective opening EA is hardly influenced.

Therefore, the periphery formed by the point where the line intersectingthe central axis AX1 at the angle θ and passing the outermost peripheryof the effective opening EA, which is represented by the first referenceline RF1, intersects the liquid crystal layer LC, is the effectivemaximum inner diameter of the diaphragm DP.

The liquid crystal layer LC does not comprise the light-shieldingfunction. For light shielding, the functions of the liquid crystal layerLC, the polarizer PL1, the polarizer PL2, and the like need to becombined. Strictly speaking, it is considered that the liquid crystallayer LC is not the diaphragm DP, but the diaphragm DP is formed in theliquid crystal layer LC. Furthermore, since the boundary is clarified,it is assumed that the inside of the opening of the firstlight-shielding portion BM1 refers to the diaphragm DP in a plane formedby the first light-shielding portion BM1. Incidentally, the color filterCF, the transparent layer OC, and the alignment film AL2 are providedbetween the liquid crystal layer LC and the light-shielding layer BM asshown in FIG. 7 . However, since a total of their thicknesses is severalμm, it is assumed that the liquid crystal layer LC and thelight-shielding layer BM are provided in the same plane. The firstlight-shielding portion BM1 having the width WI1 blocks the unnecessarylight near the outer periphery of the incident light control area PCA.For this reason, the inner periphery Il can also be considered as theoutermost periphery of the diaphragm DP.

Furthermore, the optical path of the outermost light beam can also beconsidered to be on the first reference line RF1 and the secondreference line RF2. That is, the optical path of the outermost lightbeam is a line connecting the outermost periphery of the constituentelement which functions as the diaphragm DP to the outermost peripheryof the effective opening EA of the camera 1.

A point located at the opening (second opening OP2) of thelight-shielding layer BM on the central axis AX1 is referred to as aseventh point P7. When a triangle formed by the fifth point P5, thesecond point P2, and the seventh point P7 and a triangle formed by thefifth point P5, the fourth point P4, and the seventh point P7 arefocused, the following relationship holds.DI1/2=DT3×tan θ

As the third distance DT3 from the fifth point P5 to the seventh pointP7 is longer, the inner diameter DI1 of the first light-shieldingportion BM1 becomes longer. Therefore, when the inner diameter DI1 needsto be smaller, the camera 1 needs to be closer to the liquid crystalpanel PNL.

The liquid crystal panel PNL is not irradiated with the light from theillumination device IL, inside the area surrounded by thelight-shielding wall CS2. For this reason, the first light-shieldingportion BM1 is arranged in the first light-shielding area LSA1 (i.e.,the range indicated by the width WI1 from the second point P2 to the endEN1 on the light-irradiated area side of the adhesive tape TP1, and arange indicated by the width WI1 from the fourth point P4 to the end EN2on the light-irradiated area side of the adhesive tape TP1). This isbecause the first light-shielding area LSA1 is an area which is not usedfor the diaphragm DP or display.

To form the display area DA as large as possible, the firstlight-shielding portion BM1 needs to be made as small as possible. Byproviding the camera 1 closely to the liquid crystal panel PNL, theinner diameter DI1 can be made smaller and the area surrounded by thefirst light-shielding portion BM1 can be made smaller.

Next, a relationship between the inner diameter DI1 of the firstlight-shielding portion BM1 and the diameter DI2 of the effectiveopening EA of the camera 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is across-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal panel PNL, andthe camera 1 according to the second embodiment. To simplify the figure,the first light-shielding portion BM1 is represented by a sold line andthe liquid crystal layer LC at the opening of the first light-shieldingportion BM1 is represented by a dashed line, on the liquid crystal panelPNL. The angle of the light in a virtual plane including the centralaxis AX1 and the orthogonal axis AX2 will be defined and described here,too.

As shown in FIG. 14 , a linear distance on the central axis AX1 from thefifth point P5 to the sixth point P6 is referred to as a first distanceDT1. A linear distance on the central axis AX1 from the sixth point P6to a seventh point P7 (opening of the light-shielding layer BM) isreferred to as a second distance DT2. The inner diameter DI1 and thediameter DI2 can be obtained from the following relational equations.DI1/2=DT3×tan θDI2/2=DT1×tan θ

The following relationship holds by the above relational equations.DI1/DI2=DT3/DT1

For example, when the inner diameter DI1 is set to be smaller than orequal to a double of the diameter DI2, the second distance DT2 (DT3−DT1)needs to be shorter than the first distance DT1.

Opening the diaphragm DP has been described in FIG. 14 (firstcondition). For this reason, in the incident light control area PCA, allthe first incident light control area TA1, the second incident lightcontrol area TA2, and the third incident light control area TA3 are setto the transmissive state (FIG. 8 ).

Next, narrowing the diaphragm DP will be described (third condition).For this reason, in the incident light control area PCA, the secondincident light control area TA2 and the third incident light controlarea TA3 are set to the transmissive state, and the first incident lightcontrol area TA1 is set to the non-transmissive state (FIG. 8 ). FIG. 15is the other cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystalpanel PNL, and the camera 1 according to the second embodiment. Tosimplify the figure, the first light-shielding portion BM1 and the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3 are represented by sold lines and the liquidcrystal layer LC other than the first light-shielding portion BM1 andthe third light-shielding portion BM3 is represented by a dashed line,on the liquid crystal panel PNL. The angle of the light in a virtualplane including the central axis AX1 and the orthogonal axis AX2 will bedefined and described here, too.

As shown in FIG. 15 , when the light beam incident on the camera 1 isnarrowed by making the opening of the diaphragm DP smaller, an obliqueincident light beam intersecting the central axis AX1 at a large angleis reduced as compared with the incident light beam intersecting thecentral axis AX1 at a small angle. For this reason, a problem arisesthat the amount of light at the peripheral portion of an image of thecamera 1 decreases.

Then, an inner diameter DI3 of the third light-shielding portion BM3 toprevent the oblique incident light beam from being extremely reducedwill be reviewed. A straight line which is parallel to the secondreference line RF2 and which passes at the first point P1 is referred toas a fourth reference line RF4. A straight line which is parallel to thefirst reference line RF1 and which passes at the third point P3 isreferred to as a fifth reference line RF5. A point where the fourthreference line RF4 intersects the light-shielding layer BM is referredto as an eighth point P8. A point where the fifth reference line RF5intersects the light-shielding layer BM is referred to as a ninth pointP9.

When the fourth reference line RF4 is focused, light on an outer sidethan the fourth reference line RF4 with respect to the effective openingEA, of the light (oblique light beam OL1) intersecting the central axisAX1 at the angle θ, is not made incident on the effective opening EA.For this reason, even when the light is blocked on the outer side (rightside in the figure) than the eighth point P8, the oblique light beam OL1does not increase or decrease. Thus, the inner periphery I3 of the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3 is located at the eighth point P8.

Similarly, when the fifth reference line RF5 is focused, light on anouter side than the fifth reference line RF5 with respect to theeffective opening EA, of the light (oblique light beam OL2) intersectingthe central axis AX1 at the angle θ, is not made incident on theeffective opening EA. For this reason, even when the light is blocked onthe outer side (left side in the figure) from the ninth point P9, theoblique light beam OL2 does not increase or decrease. On the other hand,the inner periphery I3 of the third light-shielding portion BM3 islocated at the ninth point P9. However, when the light is blocked on anouter side than the ninth point P9, the light on an outer side than theninth point P9, of the oblique light beam OL1, is blocked.

The inner diameter DI3 of the third light-shielding portion BM3 matchesa distance between the eighth point P8 and the ninth point P9 to preventthe amount of the light at the peripheral part of the image of thecamera 1 from being extremely reduced.

Next, the area inside the inner periphery I3 in a case of narrowing thediaphragm DP will be described (third condition). FIG. 16 is across-sectional view showing a position of a part of the liquid crystalpanel PNL and the camera 1 according to the second embodiment. Tosimplify the figure, the first light-shielding portion BM1 and the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3 are represented by sold lines and the liquidcrystal layer LC other than the first light-shielding portion BM1 andthe third light-shielding portion BM3 is represented by a dashed line,on the liquid crystal panel PNL. The angle of the light in a virtualplane including the central axis AX1 and the orthogonal axis AX2 will bedefined and described here, too.

As shown in FIG. 16 , a straight line passing at the first point P1 andwhich is parallel to the central axis AX1 is referred to as a sixthreference line RF6. A straight line which passes at the third point P3and which is parallel to the central axis AX1 is referred to as aseventh reference line RF7. A point where the sixth reference line RF6intersects the liquid crystal layer LC is referred to as a tenth pointP10. A point where the seventh reference line RF7 intersects the liquidcrystal layer LC is referred to as an eleventh point P11.

Since the fourth reference line RF4 intersects the central axis AX1 atthe angle θ, the triangle having the first point P1, the eighth pointP8, and the tenth point P10 as vertexes is similar to the trianglehaving the fifth point P5, the first point P1, and the sixth point P6 asvertexes. Since the fifth reference line RF5 also intersects the centralaxis AX1 at the angle θ, the triangle having the third point P3, theninth point P9, and the eleventh point P11 as vertexes is similar to thetriangle having the fifth point P5, the third point P3, and the sixthpoint P6 as vertexes.

A linear distance from the first point P1 to the tenth point P10 isreferred to as a second distance DT2. In addition, each of a lineardistance from the eighth point P8 to the tenth point P10 and a lineardistance from the ninth point P9 to the eleventh point P11 is referredto as a distance DT4/2. A linear distance which is a double of thedistance DT4/2 is referred to as a fourth distance DT4. A relationshipDT4/DT2=DI2/DT1 holds, and then DT4=DI2×(DT2/DT1).

Based on a relationship DT4=DI2−DI3, DI2×(DT2/DT1)=DI2−DI3, DI2(1−DT2/DT1)=DI3, and then a relationship DI3/DI2=1−(DT2/DT1) holds.

When the second distance DT2 is set to 50% of the first distance DT1,DI3/DI2=0.5.

In this case, since the radius is 50%, the area inside the innerperiphery I3 of the third light-shielding portion BM3 is 0.25% of thearea of the effective opening EA.

Furthermore, when the second distance DT2 is set to 60% of the firstdistance DT1, DI3=0.4×DI2 and the area inside the inner periphery I3 is0.16% of the area of the effective opening EA.

Since a relationship DT4=DI2×(DT2/DT1) holds, DT4=DI2 and the areainside the inner periphery I3 is 0 when DT2=DT1. For this reason, thefirst distance DT1 needs to be longer than the second distance DT2 toimplement the opening inside the inner periphery I3 (DT1>DT2).

Next, a relationship between the inner diameter DI1 of the firstlight-shielding portion BM1 and the inner diameter DI3 of the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3 will be described. FIG. 17 is the othercross-sectional view showing a position of a part of the liquid crystalpanel PNL and the camera according to the second embodiment. To simplifythe figure, the first light-shielding portion BM1 and the thirdlight-shielding portion BM3 are represented by sold lines and the liquidcrystal layer LC other than the first light-shielding portion BM1 andthe third light-shielding portion BM3 is represented by a dashed line,on the liquid crystal panel PNL. The angle of the light in a virtualplane including the central axis AX1 and the orthogonal axis AX2 will bedefined and described here, too.

As shown in FIG. 17 , the triangle having the first point P1, the eighthpoint P8, and the tenth point P10 as vertexes is similar to a trianglehaving the fifth point P5, the second point P2, and the seventh point P7as vertexes. Incidentally, the triangle having the third point P3, theninth point P9, and the eleventh point P11 as vertexes is similar to atriangle having the fifth point P5, the fourth point P4, and the seventhpoint P7 as vertexes.

Based on the above, a relationship DT4/DT2=DI1/DT3 holds, andDT4=(DI1×DT2)/DT3.

Based on a relationship DI3=DI1−(2×DT4), DI3=DI1−(2×DI1×DT2)/DT3, and arelationship DI3/DI1=1−(2×DT2)/DT3 holds.

For example, when the second distance DT2 is set to 25% of the seconddistance DT3, DT3=0.5×DI1.

In addition, when the second distance DT2 is set to 50% of the firstdistance DT1, the third distance DT3 is 150% of the first distance DT1.Since the second distance DT2 is one third of the third distance DT3,DI3=DI1/3.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an incident light control area PCA of theliquid crystal panel PNL, and the camera 1 according to the secondembodiment. In the figure, the liquid crystal panel PNL is located onthe front side, and the camera 1 is located on the back side. It isassumed here that the inner diameter DI3 of the third light-shieldingportion BM3 is one third of the inner diameter DI1 of the firstlight-shielding portion BM1.

As shown in FIG. 18 , for example, when the inner diameter DI1 is 1.8mm, the inner diameter DI3 is 0.6 mm. The second opening OP2 (secondincident light control area TA2) surrounded by the secondlight-shielding portion BM2 is provided inside the inner periphery I3 ofthe third light-shielding portion BM3, which is also shown in FIG. 8 .The second opening OP2 is, for example, an opening having a diameter of0.2 mm, which is used for pinhole imaging. For this reason, the innerdiameter DI4 of the second light-shielding portion BM2 shown in FIG. 8is 0.2 mm. The second opening OP2 is a comparatively small. For thisreason, alignment of the liquid crystal panel PNL and the camera 1 canbe executed with the light passing through the second opening OP2.

Next, alignment of the liquid crystal panel PNL and the camera 1 will bedescribed. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of theliquid crystal panel PNL, a part of the illumination device IL, and thecamera 1 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the light is made incident on the camera 1 fromthe opening having the area limited by the diaphragm DP. For thisreason, when the center of the incident light control area PCA isdisplaced from the central axis AX1 of the optical system 2, a problemarises that the light considered necessary does not reach the imagingsurface 3 a. For this reason, the center of the incident light controlarea PCA and the central axis AX1 need to be aligned with a highaccuracy.

Therefore, to improve the accuracy for alignment, the second openingOP2, which is the smallest of the openings of the incident light controlarea PCA, is used. That is, the diaphragm DP is further narrowed (thirdcondition) and, in the incident light control area PCA, the secondincident light control area TA2 is set to the transmissive state, andthe first incident light control area TA1 and the third incident lightcontrol area TA3 are set to the non-transmissive state (FIG. 8 ).

The light transmitted through the second opening OP2 (second incidentlight control area TA2) can be detected on the imaging surface 3 a byapplying parallel light such as laser light or LED light perpendicularlyto the liquid crystal panel PNL. Then, the degree of coincidence of thecenter of the incident light control area PCA and the central axis AX1can be measured and the alignment can be executed, based on theintensity of the light of the area where the central axis AX1 passes, ofthe imaging surface 3 a.

When the center of the incident light control area PCA and the centralaxis AX1 can be aligned with a high accuracy, a peripheral gap PGbetween the camera 1 and the light-shielding wall CS2 can be narrowed.The peripheral gap PG refers to a gap from the camera 1 to thelight-shielding wall CS2, in the direction parallel to the thirdreference line RF3. The size of the diaphragm DP (incident light controlarea PCA) including the first light-shielding portion BM1 can be therebyreduced.

Thus, to narrow the peripheral gap PG, the inner diameter DI4 of thesecond light-shielding portion BM2 (diameter of the second opening OP2)is, desirably, much shorter than the peripheral gap PG (DI4<PG) (FIG. 8).

Desirably, the inner diameter DI4 is longer than or equal to 0.1 mm toprevent optical diffraction (0.1 mm≤DI4) (FIG. 8 ).

According to the electronic device 100 of the second embodimentconfigured as described above, the electronic device 100 capable ofdesirably imaging can be obtained.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described. An electronic device 100 isconstituted similarly to the first embodiment except for constituentelements related to a longitudinal electric field mode described in thethird embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of aliquid crystal panel PNL of an electronic device 100 according to thethird embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a boundary area between the display areaDA and the incident light control area PCA. In addition, only membersnecessary for descriptions, of the liquid crystal panel PNL, areillustrated but the illustration of the above-described alignment filmsAL1 and AL2 and the like is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the control electrode structure RE is not onlyprovided on the insulating substrate 10, but the counter-electrode OE isalso provided on the insulating substrate 20, in the configuration ofthe longitudinal electric field mode. In the longitudinal electric fieldmode, the liquid crystal layer LC of the incident light control area PCAis driven with a voltage applied between the control electrode structureRE and the counter-electrode OE. Incidentally, the common electrode CE(FIG. 3 ) can be referred to as a first common electrode, and thecounter-electrode OE can be referred to as a second common electrode.

A plurality of spacers SP are provided between the insulating substrate10 and the insulating substrate 20. A first gap Ga1 between the firstsubstrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 in the display area DA anda second gap Ga2 between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 in the incident light control area PCA are held by thespacers SP. Two types of spaces SP, i.e., spaces SP1 and spaces SP2, aredisposed, and each space SP1 constitutes a gap GaP1 and each space SP2constitutes a gap GaP2. In the display area DA, the spacers SP arecovered with the light-shielding portion BMA2 (light-shielding portionBMA). In the incident light control area PCA, the spacers SP are coveredwith the second light-shielding portion BM2 or third light-shieldingportion BM3.

In the incident light control area PCA, a quarter-wave retarder QP2 issandwiched between the polarizer PL2 and the insulating substrate 20 anda quarter-wave retarder QP1 is sandwiched between the polarizer PL1 andthe insulating substrate 10 since the first control liquid crystal layerLC1, the second control liquid crystal layer LC2, and the third controlliquid crystal layer LC3 are driven in electrically controlledbirefringence (ECB) mode of the longitudinal electric field mode.

In the display area DA and the incident light control area PCA, thepolarizer PL1 and the polarizer PL2 are common. On the polarizer PL1 andthe polarizer PL2, an easy axis of transmission (polarization axis)faces in the same direction in the display area DA and the incidentlight control area PCA. The easy axis of transmission of the polarizerPL1 is orthogonal to the easy axis of transmission of the polarizer PL2.

In contrast, in the display area DA, the display liquid crystal layerLCI is driven in the lateral electric field similarly to theabove-described first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the displayliquid crystal layer LCI is driven in the FFS mode but may be driven inthe IPS mode. In the display area DA, the alignment axis (fast axis) ofthe liquid crystal molecules is orthogonal or parallel or the easy axisof transmission of the polarizer PL1 (or the polarizer PL2), in a statein which no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode PE and thecommon electrode CE. For this reason, since a phase difference is notmade in the display liquid crystal layer LCI, in the state in which novoltage is applied to the display liquid crystal layer LCI, and sincethe easy axis of transmission of the polarizer PL2 is orthogonal to theeasy axis of transmission of the polarizer PL1, the light is blocked(normally-black mode).

When the voltage is applied between the pixel electrode PE and thecommon electrode CE, the liquid crystal molecules rotate, the fast axisof the liquid crystal molecules makes an angle to the polarizationdirection of the linearly polarized light, and a retardation is therebymade. In the display liquid crystal layer LCI, when the liquid crystalmolecules rotate (the fast axis is oblique to the polarization directionat 45 degrees), birefringence Δn and the gap Ga are adjusted such thatthe retardation becomes π (Δn×Ga=½λ). The light transmitted through thedisplay liquid crystal layer LCI changes from linearly polarized lightparallel to the easy axis of transmission of the polarizer PL1 tolinearly polarized light oblique to the easy axis of transmission of thepolarizer PL1 at 90 degrees. Therefore, the light is made transmitted byapplying the voltage between the pixel electrode PE and the commonelectrode CE, in the display area DA.

In the third embodiment, the same liquid crystal layers LC and thepolarizers PL1 and PL2 are used and the alignment axes of the liquidcrystal molecules are the same directions, in the display area DA andthe incident light control area PCA. Therefore, the retardations of theliquid crystal layer LC are the same, and the directions of thealignment axes of the liquid crystal molecules to the easy axes oftransmission of the polarizers PL1 and PL2 are also the same.

Thus, the quarter-wave retarder QP2 and the quarter-wave retarder QP1are sandwiched between the polarizer PL2 and the polarizer PL1, in theincident light control area PCA. A slow axis of the quarter-waveretarder QP2 is oblique to the easy axis of transmission of thepolarizer PL2 at 45 degrees, and a slow axis of the quarter-waveretarder QP1 is oblique to the easy axis of transmission of thepolarizer PL1 at 45 degrees. The light transmitted through thequarter-wave retarder QP2 and the quarter-wave retarder QP1 changes fromthe linearly polarized light to the circularly polarized light orchanges from the circularly polarized light to the linearly polarizedlight.

In the third embodiment, the slow axis of the quarter-wave retarder QP1is oblique to the easy axis of transmission of the polarizer PL1 at +45degrees, and the linearly polarized light emitted from the polarizer PL1changes to clockwise circularly polarized light. In the first controlliquid crystal layer LC1, the second control liquid crystal layer LC2,and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3, the birefringence Δn anda second gap Ga2 are adjusted (Δn×Ga2=½λ) such that the retardationbecomes Π, and the clockwise circularly polarized light is changed tocounterclockwise circularly polarized light.

The slow axis of the quarter-wave retarder QP2 is oblique to the easyaxis of transmission of the polarizer PL1 at −45 degrees, and the lightpassed through the quarter-wave retarder QP2 becomes the linearlypolarized light oblique to the easy axis of transmission of thepolarizer PL1 at 90 degrees and is transmitted through the polarizerPL2.

In the third embodiment, a control electrode structure group REGincluding a plurality of control electrode structures RE is located inthe incident light control area PCA and is provided in the firstsubstrate SUB1. The second substrate SUB2 is located in the incidentlight control area PCA and comprises a counter-electrode OE opposed tothe control electrode structure group REG. Therefore, in the incidentlight control area PCA, the light is transmitted in a state in which novoltage is applied between the control electrode structure RE and thecounter-electrode OE (normally-white mode). Incidentally, the secondsubstrate SUB2 of the third embodiment comprises a transparent layer TLinstead of the color filter CF, in the incident light control area PCA.

In the ECB mode, the amount of the transmitted light is controlled byusing variation of the birefringence (Δn) of the liquid crystalmolecules by applying the voltage between the control electrodestructure RE and the counter-electrode OE and aligning the liquidcrystal molecules along a direction perpendicular to the first substrateSUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

In the third embodiment, the birefringence becomes smaller to thetransmitted light and the amount of the transmitted light is reduced byapplying the voltage between the control electrode structure RE and thecounter-electrode OE and aligning the longer-axis direction of theliquid crystal molecules along a direction perpendicular to the firstsubstrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

For example, when the birefringence Δn becomes 0 and the retardationbecomes 0, the light transmitted through the first control liquidcrystal layer LC1, the second control liquid crystal layer LC2, and thethird control liquid crystal layer LC3 remains clockwise circularlypolarized light, and the clockwise circularly polarized light passingthrough the quarter-wave retarder QP2 becomes linearly polarized lightparallel to the easy axis of transmission of the polarizer PL1 and isnot transmitted through the polarizer PL2. Therefore, the light incidenton the camera 1 can be reduced by the diaphragm DP by applying thevoltage between the control electrode structure RE and thecounter-electrode OE (non-transmissive state).

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a light-shielding layer BM in an incidentlight control area PCA of the liquid crystal panel PNL, according to thethird embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the firstembodiment (FIG. 8 ) with respect to a feature that each of the firstincident light control area TA1, the second incident light control areaTA2, and the third incident light control area TA3 is divided into tworanges.

As shown in FIG. 21 , the first incident light control area TA1 includesa first range TA1 a, and a second range TA1 b other than the first rangeTA1 a. The second incident light control area TA2 includes a third rangeTA2 a, and a fourth range TA2 b other than the third range TA2 a. Thethird incident light control area TA3 includes a fifth range TA3 a, anda sixth range TA3 b other than the fifth range TA3 a.

In the third embodiment, the first range TA1 a is adjacent to the secondrange TA1 b in the direction Y, the third range TA2 a is adjacent to thefourth range TA2 b in the direction Y, and the fifth range TA3 a isadjacent to the sixth range TA3 b in the direction Y. A boundary betweenthe first range TA1 a and the second range TA1 b, a boundary between thethird range TA2 a and the fourth range TA2 b, and a boundary between thefifth range TA3 a and the sixth range TA3 b are in line with thedirection X.

The incident light control area PCA is divided into a first area A1 anda second area A2 by a diameter of a circle formed by the outer peripheryof the first light-shielding portion BM1. In the third embodiment, thefirst area A1 includes a first range TA1 a, a third range TA2 a, and asixth range TA3 b. The second area A2 includes a second range TA1 b, afourth range TA2 b, and a fifth range TA3 a.

However, the manner of dividing each of the first incident light controlarea TA1, the second incident light control area TA2, and the thirdincident light control area TA3 into two ranges is exemplified in thethird embodiment and can be variously modified.

Next, the configuration of the first control electrode structure RE1,the second control electrode structure RE2, the third control electrodestructure RE3, the fourth control electrode structure RE4, the fifthcontrol electrode structure RE5, the sixth control electrode structureRE6, and the counter-electrode OE in a case of driving the first controlliquid crystal layer LC1, the second control liquid crystal layer LC2,and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3 in the longitudinalelectric field mode, in the incident light control area PCA, will bedescribed. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a plurality of controlelectrode structures RE and a plurality of lead lines L of a firstsubstrate SUB1 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 21 , the first control electrode structureRE1 comprises a first power supply line CL1 located in the firstlight-shielding area LSA1, and a first control electrode RL1 located inthe first light-shielding area LSA1 and a first range TA1 a. The firstpower supply line CL1 includes a first line WL1. In the thirdembodiment, the first line WL1 and the first control electrode RL1 areformed integrally.

The second control electrode structure RE2 comprises a second powersupply line CL2 located in the first light-shielding area LSA1, and asecond control electrode RL2 located in the first light-shielding areaLSA1 and a second range TA1 b. The second power supply line CL2 includesa second line WL2. In the third embodiment, the second line WL2 and thesecond control electrode RL2 are formed integrally.

The third control electrode structure RE3 comprises a third power supplyline CL3 located in the second light-shielding area LSA2, and a thirdcontrol electrode RL3 located in the second light-shielding area LSA2and a third range TA2 a. The third power supply line CL3 includes athird line WL3.

The fourth control electrode structure RE4 comprises a fourth powersupply line CL4 located in the second light-shielding area LSA2, and afourth control electrode RL4 located in the second light-shielding areaLSA2 and a fourth range TA2 b. The fourth power supply line CL4 includesa fourth line WL4.

The fifth control electrode structure RE5 comprises a fifth power supplyline CL5 located in the third light-shielding area LSA3, and a fifthcontrol electrode RL5 located in the third light-shielding area LSA3 anda fifth range TA3 a. The fifth power supply line CL5 includes a fifthline WL5. In the third embodiment, the fifth line WL5 and the fifthcontrol electrode RL5 are formed integrally.

The sixth control electrode structure RE6 comprises a sixth power supplyline CL6 located in the third light-shielding area LSA3, and a sixthcontrol electrode RL6 located in the third light-shielding area LSA3 anda sixth range TA3 b. The sixth power supply line CL6 includes a sixthline WL6. In the third embodiment, the sixth line WL6 and the sixthcontrol electrode RL6 are formed integrally.

Incidentally, in the third embodiment, the first control electrodestructure RE1, the third control electrode structure RE3, and the fifthcontrol electrode structure RE5 are located between the insulating layer13 and the alignment film AL1. The second control electrode structureRE2, the fourth control electrode structure RE4, and the sixth controlelectrode structure RE6 are located between the insulating layers 12 and13.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a counter-electrode OE and a lead line Loof a second substrate SUB2 according to the third embodiment. As shownin FIG. 23 and FIG. 21 , the counter-electrode OE is located in theincident light control area PCA. The counter-electrode OE comprises acounter-supply line CLo located in the first light-shielding area LSATand a counter-electrode main body OM located in the incident lightcontrol area PCA. The counter-supply line CLo includes a counter-lineWLo having an annular shape. In the third embodiment, the counter-lineWLo and the counter-electrode main body OM are formed of a transparentconductive material such as ITO.

The counter-electrode main body OM includes a plurality of linearcounter-electrodes OML. A plurality of linear counter-electrodes OML arelocated in the incident light control area PCA, are electricallyconnected to the counter-line WLo, extend linearly in the thirdextending direction d3, and are arranged and spaced apart in anorthogonal direction dc3 that is orthogonal to the third extendingdirection d3.

In the third embodiment, the counter-line WLo and the linearcounter-electrode OML are formed integrally. In addition, the thirdextending direction d3 is the same as the direction X, and theorthogonal direction dc3 is the same as the direction Y. Based on theabove, the counter-electrode OE is an electrode including a plurality ofslits OS that extend in the third extending direction d3 and arearranged and spaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc3.

In the incident light control area PCA, the lead line Lo extends in thefirst extending direction d1. The lead line Lo is formed of a metal andelectrically connected to the counter-line WLo. The lead line Lo causesan area covered with one light-shielding portion (BMA2) to extend in thedisplay area DA. However, the lead line Lo may cause at least one of thelight-shielding portions BMA1 and BMA2 to extend in the display area DA.

Incidentally, the counter-supply line CLo and the lead line Lo may beformed of a stacked layer body of transparent conductive layers andmetal layers.

The voltage applied to the counter-electrode OE via the lead line Lo isreferred to as a counter-voltage. Incidentally, the voltage applied tothe counter-electrode (second common electrode) OE is often referred toas a common voltage.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a plurality of first control electrodesRL1, a plurality of second control electrodes RL2, and a plurality oflinear counter-electrodes OML according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 24 , a plurality of first control electrodes RL1 arelocated in the first light-shielding area LSAT and the first range TA1a, are electrically connected to the first line WL1, extend linearly inthe third extending direction d3, and are arranged and spaced apart inthe orthogonal direction dc3. A plurality of second control electrodesRL2 are located in the first light-shielding area LSA1 and the secondrange TA1 b, are electrically connected to the second line WL2, extendlinearly in the third extending direction d3, and are arranged andspaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc3.

Each of the first control electrodes RL1 and the second controlelectrodes RL2 has a stripe-shaped portion having a side along thediameter, which separates the first area A1 and the second area A2.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal panel PNL asviewed along line XXV-XXV of FIG. 24 , illustrating an insulatingsubstrate 10, an insulating substrate 20, a plurality of first controlelectrodes RL1, a plurality of second control electrodes RL2, aplurality of linear counter-electrodes OML, and a first control liquidcrystal layer LC1. In FIG. 25 , the only constituent elements necessaryfor descriptions are shown.

As shown in FIG. 25 , a first gap SC1 between a pair of adjacent firstcontrol electrodes RL1 is opposed to one corresponding linearcounter-electrode OML. A second gap SC2 between a pair of adjacentsecond control electrodes RL2 is opposed to one corresponding linearcounter-electrode OML. A third gap SC3 between the adjacent firstcontrol electrode RL1 and second control electrode RL2 is opposed to onecorresponding linear counter-electrode OML. A fourth gap SC4 between apair of adjacent linear counter-electrodes OML is opposed to onecorresponding first control electrode RL1 or one corresponding secondcontrol electrode RL2.

An example will be described with concrete numerical values. In theorthogonal direction dc3, each of the width WD1 of the first controlelectrode RL1 and the width WD2 of the second control electrode RL2 is390 μm, and each of the first gap SC1, the second gap SC2, and the thirdgap SC3 is 10 μm. In addition, in the orthogonal direction dc3, thewidth WDo of the linear counter-electrode OML is 390 μm and the fourthgap SC4 is 10 μm.

Incidentally, the pitch in the orthogonal direction dc3 between thefirst control electrode RL1 and the second control electrode RL2 and thepitch of the linear counter-electrode OML may be set at random,similarly to the first embodiment (FIG. 10 ).

When the first control electrode structure RE1, the second controlelectrode structure RE2, and the counter-electrode OE are driven underthe first condition (i.e., the condition for opening the diaphragm DP),the liquid crystal panel PNL sets the first incident light control areaTA1 to a transmissive state. Each of the first control voltage appliedto the first control electrode structure RE1 and the second controlvoltage applied to the second control electrode structure RE2 is thesame as the counter-voltage applied to the counter-electrode OE.

In contrast, when the first control electrode structure RE1, the secondcontrol electrode structure RE2, and the counter-electrode OE are drivenunder the third condition (i.e., the condition for narrowing thediaphragm DP), the second condition (i.e., the condition for furthernarrowing the diaphragm DP), and the fourth condition (i.e., thecondition for closing the diaphragm DP), the liquid crystal panel PNLsets the first incident light control area TA1 to a non-transmissivestate.

When a part of the period for driving the first control liquid crystallayer LC1 is focused, one of the first control voltage and the secondcontrol voltage becomes positive due to the counter-voltage. During theperiod, the other of the first control voltage and the second controlvoltage becomes negative due to the counter-voltage. A polarity of thefirst control voltage is different from a polarity of the second controlvoltage with respect to the counter-voltage.

For this reason, a polarity of the voltage generated between the firstcontrol electrode structure RE1 and the counter-electrode OE and appliedto the first control liquid crystal layer LC1 is different from apolarity of the voltage generated between the second control electrodestructure RE2 and the counter-electrode OE and applied to the firstcontrol liquid crystal layer LC1. Δn influence of the potentialvariation of the counter-electrode OE which results from the potentialvariation of the first control electrode structure RE1 and an influenceof the potential variation of the counter-electrode OE which resultsfrom the potential variation of the second control electrode structureRE2 cancel each other. Undesired potential variation of thecounter-electrode OE can be thereby suppressed.

In the third embodiment, an absolute value of a difference between thecounter-voltage and the first control voltage is the same as an absolutevalue of a difference between the counter-voltage and the second controlvoltage. For this reason, undesired potential variation of thecounter-electrode OE can be further suppressed.

Incidentally, it is undesirable that the polarities of the first controlvoltage and the second control voltage to the counter-voltage are thesame as each other, unlike the third embodiment, since undesiredpotential variation of the counter-electrode OE is caused.

As described above, inversion drive of inverting the polarities of thefirst control voltage and the second control voltage with reference tothe counter-voltage may be executed during a period of driving the firstcontrol liquid crystal layer LC1 under the second to fourth conditions.The counter-voltage is a constant voltage during the above period.

In addition, the positional relationship between each of the first gapSC1, second gap SC2, and third gap SC3, and the linear counter-electrodeOML has been described above. The positional relationship between thefourth gap SC4 and each of the first control electrode RL1 and thesecond control electrode RL2 has been described above. Δn obliqueelectric field can be generated between the first control electrode RL1and the linear counter-electrode OML, and an oblique electric field canbe generated between the second control electrode RL2 and the linearcounter-electrode OML, during a period of driving the first controlliquid crystal layer LC1 under the second to fourth conditions. For thisreason, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules of the firstcontrol liquid crystal layer LC1 rise can be further controlled ascompared with the case where the electric field is parallel to thedirection Z. In the figure, the above electric field is represented by adashed line.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a third control electrode structure RE3and a fourth control electrode structure RE4 according to the thirdembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26 , each of the third control electrode RL3 and thefourth control electrode RL4 has a semicircular shape having a sideparallel to the third extending direction d3. The above sides of thethird control electrode RL3 and the fourth control electrode RL4 arealigned with the diameter separating the first area A1 and second areaA2. The third control electrode RL3 and the fourth control electrode RL4are arranged and spaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc3.

As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 22 , the inner diameter of the third lineWL3 is smaller than the inner diameter of the sixth line WL6. Δn innerdiameter of the fourth line WL4 is smaller than the inner diameter ofthe third line WL3.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal panel PNLas viewed along line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26 , illustrating theinsulating substrates 10 and 20, the third control electrode structureRE3, the fourth control electrode structure RE4, the linearcounter-electrode OML, and a second control liquid crystal layer LC2. InFIG. 27 , the only constituent elements necessary for descriptions areshown.

As shown in FIG. 27 , a fifth gap SC5 between the adjacent third controlelectrode RL3 and fourth control electrode RL4 is opposed to onecorresponding linear counter-electrode OML. The fifth gap SC5 is in linewith the third gap SC3 in the third extending direction d3 (FIG. 22 andFIG. 25 ).

When the third control electrode structure RE3, the fourth controlelectrode structure RE4, and the counter-electrode OE are driven underthe first condition, the second condition, and the third condition, theliquid crystal panel PNL sets the second incident light control area TA2to a transmissive state. Each of the third control voltage applied tothe third control electrode structure RE3 and the fourth control voltageapplied to the fourth control electrode structure RE4 is the same as thecounter-voltage applied to the counter-electrode OE.

In contrast, when the third control electrode structure RE3, the fourthcontrol electrode structure RE4, and the counter-electrode OE are drivenunder the fourth condition, the liquid crystal panel PNL sets the secondincident light control area TA2 to a non-transmissive state.

When a part of the period for driving the second control liquid crystallayer LC2 is focused, one of the third control voltage and the fourthcontrol voltage becomes positive due to the counter-voltage. During theperiod, the other of the third control voltage and the fourth controlvoltage becomes negative due to the counter-voltage.

For this reason, a polarity of the voltage generated between the thirdcontrol electrode structure RE3 and the counter-electrode OE and appliedto the second control liquid crystal layer LC2 is different from apolarity of the voltage generated between the fourth control electrodestructure RE4 and the counter-electrode OE and applied to the secondcontrol liquid crystal layer LC2. In the third embodiment, an absolutevalue of a difference between the counter-voltage and the third controlvoltage is the same as an absolute value of a difference between thecounter-voltage and the fourth control voltage.

Incidentally, it is undesirable that the polarities of the third controlvoltage and the fourth control voltage to the counter-voltage are thesame as each other, unlike the third embodiment, since undesiredpotential variation of the counter-electrode OE is caused.

As described above, inversion drive of inverting the polarities of thethird control voltage and the fourth control voltage with reference tothe counter-voltage may be executed during a period of driving thesecond control liquid crystal layer LC2 under the fourth condition. Thecounter-voltage is a constant voltage during the above period. Inaddition, when driving the third control electrode structure RE3 and thefourth control electrode structure RE4 under the first condition, theinversion drive of the third control electrode structure RE3 and thefourth control electrode structure RE4 may be executed synchronouslywith the inversion drive of the first control electrode structure RE1and the second control electrode structure RE2.

In addition, the positional relationship between the fifth gap SC5 andthe linear counter-electrode OML has been described above. For thisreason, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecules of thesecond control liquid crystal layer LC2 rise can be further controlledas compared with the case where the electric field generated between thethird control electrode RL3 and the linear counter-electrode OML and theelectric field generated between the fourth control electrode RL4 andthe linear counter-electrode OML are parallel to the direction Z.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing parts of a fifth control electrodestructure RE5 and a sixth control electrode structure RE6 according tothe third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 28 , a plurality of fifth control electrodes RL5 arelocated in the third light-shielding area LSA3 and the fifth range TA3a, are electrically connected to the fifth line WL5, extend linearly inthe third extending direction d3, and are arranged and spaced apart inthe orthogonal direction dc3. A plurality of sixth control electrodesRL6 are located in the first light-shielding area LSAT and the sixthrange TA3 b, are electrically connected to the sixth line WL6, extendlinearly in the third extending direction d3, and are arranged andspaced apart in the orthogonal direction dc3.

Each of the fifth line WL5 and the sixth control electrode RL6 has astripe-shaped portion having a side along the diameter, which separatesthe first area A1 and the second area A2.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal panel PNLas viewed along line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28 , illustrating insulatingsubstrates 10 and 20, a plurality of fifth control electrodes RL5, aplurality of sixth control electrodes RL6, a plurality of linearcounter-electrodes OML, and a third control liquid crystal layer LC3. InFIG. 29 , the only constituent elements necessary for descriptions areshown.

As shown in FIG. 29 , a sixth gap SC6 between a pair of adjacent fifthcontrol electrodes RL5 is opposed to one corresponding linearcounter-electrode OML. A seventh gap SC7 between a pair of adjacentsixth control electrodes RL6 is opposed to one corresponding linearcounter-electrode OML. Δn eighth gap SC8 between the adjacent fifthcontrol electrode RL5 and sixth control electrode RL6 is opposed to onecorresponding linear counter-electrode OML. The fourth gap SC4 isopposed to one corresponding fifth control electrode RL5 or onecorresponding sixth control electrode RL6.

The eighth gap SC8 is in line with the third gap SC3 and the fifth gapSC5 in the third extending direction d3 (FIG. 22 , FIG. 25 , and FIG. 27). The sixth gap SC6 is in line with the second gap SC2 in the thirdextending direction d3 (FIG. 22 and FIG. 25 ). The seventh gap SC7 is inline with the first gap SC1 in the third extending direction d3 (FIG. 22and FIG. 25 ).

An example will be described with concrete numerical values. In theorthogonal direction dc3, each of the width WD5 of the fifth controlelectrode RL5 and the width WD6 of the sixth control electrode RL6 is390 μm, and each of the sixth gap SC6, the seventh gap SC7, and theeighth gap SC8 is 10 μm.

Incidentally, the pitch in the orthogonal direction dc3 between thefifth control electrode RL5 and the sixth control electrode RL6 may beset at random similarly to the first embodiment (FIG. 10 ).

When the fifth control electrode structure RE5, the sixth controlelectrode structure RE6, and the counter-electrode OE are driven underthe first and third conditions, the liquid crystal panel PNL sets thethird incident light control area TA3 to a transmissive state. Each ofthe fifth control voltage applied to the fifth control electrodestructure RE5 and the sixth control voltage applied to the sixth controlelectrode structure RE6 is the same as the counter-voltage applied tothe counter-electrode OE.

In contrast, when the fifth control electrode structure RE5, the sixthcontrol electrode structure RE6, and the counter-electrode OE are drivenunder the second and fourth conditions, the liquid crystal panel PNLsets the third incident light control area TA3 to a non-transmissivestate.

When a part of the period for driving the third control liquid crystallayer LC3 is focused, one of the fifth control voltage and the sixthcontrol voltage becomes positive due to the counter-voltage. During theperiod, the other of the fifth control voltage and the sixth controlvoltage becomes negative due to the counter-voltage.

For this reason, a polarity of the voltage generated between the fifthcontrol electrode structure RE5 and the counter-electrode OE and appliedto the third control liquid crystal layer LC3 is different from apolarity of the voltage generated between the sixth control electrodestructure RE6 and the counter-electrode OE and applied to the thirdcontrol liquid crystal layer LC3. In the third embodiment, an absolutevalue of a difference between the counter-voltage and the fifth controlvoltage is the same as an absolute value of a difference between thecounter-voltage and the sixth control voltage.

Incidentally, it is undesirable that the polarities of the fifth controlvoltage and the sixth control voltage to the counter-voltage are thesame as each other, unlike the third embodiment, since undesiredpotential variation of the counter-electrode OE is caused.

As described above, inversion drive of inverting the polarities of thefifth control voltage and the sixth control voltage with reference tothe counter-voltage may be executed during a period of driving the thirdcontrol liquid crystal layer LC3 under the second and fourth conditions.The counter-voltage is a constant voltage during the above period. Inaddition, when driving the fifth control electrode structure RE5 and thesixth control electrode structure RE6 under the second and fourthconditions, the inversion drive of the fifth control electrode structureRE5 and the sixth control electrode structure RE6 may be executedsynchronously with the inversion drive of the first control electrodestructure RE1 and the second control electrode structure RE2.

In addition, the positional relationship between each of the sixth gapSC6, seventh gap SC7, and eighth gap SC8, and the linearcounter-electrode OML has been described above. For this reason, thedirection in which the liquid crystal molecules of the third controlliquid crystal layer LC3 rise can be further controlled as compared withthe case where the electric field generated between the fifth controlelectrode RL5 and the linear counter-electrode OML and the electricfield generated between the sixth control electrode RL6 and the linearcounter-electrode OML are parallel to the direction Z.

According to the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronicdevice 100 according to the third embodiment configured as describedabove, the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronic device100 capable of controlling the light transmissive area of the incidentlight control area PCA can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Δn electronic device 100 isconstituted similarly to the first embodiment except for constituentelements described in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 30 is a plan viewshowing a first control electrode structure RE1 and a second controlelectrode structure RE2 of a liquid crystal panel PNL of an electronicdevice 100 according to a fourth embodiment. In FIG. 30 , the onlyconstituent elements necessary for descriptions are shown.

As shown in FIG. 30 , each of the first line WL1, the first controlelectrode RL1, the second line WL2, and the second control electrode RL2is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO. Theinsulating layer 13 is sandwiched between one or more conductors of thefirst line WL1, the first control electrode RL1, the second line WL2,and the second control electrode RL2 and the remaining conductors of thefirst line WL1, the first control electrode RL1, the second line WL2,and the second control electrode RL2 (FIG. 10 ).

The above-mentioned one or more conductors are provided in the samelayer as one of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, andis formed of the same material as the one of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).The remaining conductors are provided in the same layer as the other ofthe pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, and is formed of thesame material as the other of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).

In the fourth embodiment, the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched betweena line group of the first line WL1 and the second line WL2, and anelectrode group of the first control electrode RL1 and the secondcontrol electrode RL2 (FIG. 10 ). In other words, the lines WL and thecontrol electrodes RL are formed in different layers while sandwichingthe insulating layer 13.

The first line WL1 and the second line WL2 are provided in the samelayer as the common electrode CE, formed of the same transparentconductive material as the common electrode CE, and arranged and spacedapart from each other (FIG. 7 ). The first control electrode RL1 and thesecond control electrode RL2 are provided in the same layer as the pixelelectrode PE, formed of the same transparent conductive material as thepixel electrode PE, and arranged and spaced apart from each other in theorthogonal direction dc3 (FIG. 7 ). Based on the above, the firstcontrol electrode RL1, the second control electrode RL2, and the pixelelectrode PE are formed in the first conductive layer (transparentconductive layer). The first line WL1, the second line WL2, and thecommon electrode CE are formed in the second conductive layer(transparent conductive layer).

The first control electrode structure RE1 further includes one or morefirst metal layers ME1. The first metal layers ME1 are located in thefirst light-shielding area LSA1, are in contact with the first line WL1,and constitute the first power supply line CL1 together with the firstline WL1. The first metal layers ME1 contribute to the reduction inresistance of the first power supply line CL1.

The second control electrode structure RE2 further includes one or moresecond metal layers ME2. The second metal layers ME2 are located in thefirst light-shielding area LSA1, are in contact with the second lineWL2, and constitute the second power supply line CL2 together with thesecond line WL2. The second metal layers ME2 contribute to the reductionin resistance of the second power supply line CL2.

Incidentally, in the fourth embodiment, the first metal layers ME1 andthe second metal layers ME2 are provided in the same layer as the metallayer ML and formed of the same metal material as the metal layer ML.

The first control electrode RL1 is in contact with the first line WL1through a contact hole ho1 formed in the insulating layer 13. The secondcontrol electrode RL2 is in contact with the second line WL2 through acontact hole ho2 formed in the insulating layer 13. The first controlelectrodes RL1 and the second control electrodes RL2 are arrangedalternately in the orthogonal direction dc1. The first control electrodeRL1 intersects the second line WL2 and extends in the first extendingdirection d1.

An example will be described with concrete numerical values. In theorthogonal direction dc1, the width WT1 of the first control electrodeRL1 is 2 μm, the width WT2 of the second control electrode RL2 is 2 μm,and a plurality of gaps SF are not constant. The gaps SF are alsoreferred to as gaps between the first control electrode RL1 and thesecond control electrode RL2, and change at random in the first incidentlight control area TA1.

For example, the gaps SF change at random in units of 0.25 μm around 8μm. Then, the gaps SF arranged in the orthogonal direction dc1 arechanged in the order of 7.75 μm, 6.25 μm, 10.25 μm, 8.75 μm, 7.25 μm,5.75 μm, 6.75 μm, 9.25 μm, 8.25 μm, and 9.75 μm.

The pitch between the first control electrode RL1 and the second controlelectrode RL2 may be constant but, desirably, are set at random like thefourth embodiment. Occurrence of optical diffraction and opticalinterference caused when the pitches are set to be constant can bethereby prevented. Incidentally, the gap SF may be changed at random inunits of 0.25 μm about a range from 8 to 18 μm.

The first control electrode structure RE1 and the second controlelectrode structure RE2 have been described above with reference to FIG.30 , but the techniques described with reference to FIG. 30 can also beapplied to the fifth control electrode structure RE5, and the sixthcontrol electrode structure RE6.

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a third control electrode structure RE3,a fourth control electrode structure RE4, a fifth control electrodestructure RE5, a sixth control electrode structure RE6, a third leadline L3, and a fourth lead line L4 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 31 , the liquid crystal panel PNL has the configurationcorresponding to the IPS mode, in the second incident light control areaTA2, too.

The third control electrode structure RE3 comprises a third power supplyline CL3 and a third control electrode RL3.

The third power supply line CL3 is located in the second light-shieldingarea LSA2 and includes a third line WL3 having an annular shape and athird metal layer ME3 (FIG. 8 ). In the fourth embodiment, the thirdline WL3 has a C-letter shape and is formed to divide the circular shapein an area where the fourth lead line L4 passes. The third metal layerME3 is located in the second light-shielding area LSA2, is in contactwith the third line WL3, and constitutes the third power supply line CL3together with the third line WL3. The third metal layer ME3 contributesto the reduction in resistance of the third power supply line CL3.

A plurality of third control electrodes RL3 are located in the secondlight-shielding area LSA2 and the second incident light control areaTA2, are electrically connected to the third line WL3, extend linearlyin the first extending direction d1, and are arranged and spaced apartin the orthogonal direction dc1 (FIG. 8 ).

Some of the plurality of third control electrodes RL3 are connected tothe third line WL3 at both end parts. However, the other of theplurality of third control electrodes RL3 may be connected to the thirdline WL3 at one-side end parts, and the other side end parts maycomprise the third control electrodes RL3 which are not connected to thethird line WL3. All the plurality of third control electrodes RL3 may beconnected to the third line WL3 at one-side end parts, and may be notconnected to the third line WL3 at the other side end parts.

The fourth control electrode structure RE4 comprises a fourth powersupply line CL4 and a fourth control electrode RL4.

The fourth power supply line CL4 is located in the secondlight-shielding area LSA2 and includes a fourth line WL4 having anannular shape and a fourth metal layer ME4 (FIG. 8 ). The fourth lineWL4 is adjacent to the third line WL3. In the fourth embodiment, thefourth line WL4 is located on an inner side than the third line WL3 butmay be located on an outer side than the third line WL3. The fourthmetal layer ME4 is located in the second light-shielding area LSA2, isin contact with the fourth line WL4, and constitutes the fourth powersupply line CL4 together with the fourth line WL4. The fourth metallayers ME4 contributes to the reduction in resistance of the fourthpower supply line CL4.

A plurality of fourth control electrodes RL4 are located in the secondlight-shielding area LSA2 and the second incident light control areaTA2, are electrically connected to the fourth line WL4, extend linearlyin the first extending direction d1, and are arranged and spaced apartin the orthogonal direction dc1 (FIG. 8 ).

Some of the plurality of fourth control electrodes RL4 are connected tothe fourth line WL4 at both end parts. However, the other of theplurality of fourth control electrodes RL4 may be connected to thefourth line WL4 at one-side end parts, and the other side end parts maybe the fourth control electrodes RL4 which are not connected to thefourth line WL4. All the plurality of fourth control electrodes RL4 maybe connected to the fourth line WL4 at one-side end parts, and may benot connected to the fourth line WL4 at the other side end parts.

The third control electrodes RL3 intersect the fourth line WL4. Aplurality of third control electrodes RL3 and a plurality of fourthcontrol electrodes RL4 are arranged alternately in the orthogonaldirection dc1. Each of the third line WL3, the third control electrodeRL3, the fourth line WL4, and the fourth control electrode RL4 is formedof a transparent conductive material such as ITO. The insulating layer13 is sandwiched between one or more conductors of the third line WL3,the third control electrode RL3, the fourth line WL4, and the fourthcontrol electrode RL4, and the remaining conductors of the third lineWL3, the third control electrode RL3, the fourth line WL4, and thefourth control electrode RL4 (FIG. 10 ).

The above-mentioned one or more conductors are provided in the samelayer as one of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, andare formed of the same material as the one of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).The remaining conductors are provided in the same layer as the other ofthe pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, and are formed ofthe same material as the other of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).

In the fourth embodiment, the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched betweena line group of the third line WL3 and the fourth line WL4, and anelectrode group of the third control electrode RL3 and the fourthcontrol electrode RL4 (FIG. 10 ).

The third line WL3 and the fourth line WL4 are provided in the samelayer as the common electrode CE, formed of the same transparentconductive material as the common electrode CE, and arranged and spacedapart from each other (FIG. 7 ). The third control electrode RL3 and thefourth control electrode RL4 are provided in the same layer as the pixelelectrode PE, and formed of the same transparent conductive material asthe pixel electrode PE (FIG. 7 ).

The third control electrode RL3 is in contact with the third line WL3through a contact hole ho3 formed in the insulating layer 13. The fourthcontrol electrode RL4 is in contact with the fourth line WL4 through acontact hole ho4 formed in the insulating layer 13.

In the fourth embodiment, the inner diameter DI4 of the secondlight-shielding portion BM2 is 200 μm (FIG. 8 ). A plurality of thirdcontrol electrodes RL3 and a plurality of fourth control electrodes RL4are arranged at random pitches around 10 μm in the orthogonal directiondc1.

In the fourth embodiment, each of the third lead line L3 and the fourthlead line L4 is composed of a stacked layer body of transparentconductive layers and metal layers.

According to the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronicdevice 100 according to the fourth embodiment configured as describedabove, the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronic device100 capable of controlling the light transmissive area of the incidentlight control area PCA can be obtained.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Δn electronic device 100 isconstituted similarly to that of the third embodiment (FIG. 22 ) exceptfor constituent elements described in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 32 is aplan view showing a first control electrode structure RE1 and a secondcontrol electrode structure RE2 of a liquid crystal panel PNL of anelectronic device 100 according to a fifth embodiment. In FIG. 32 , theonly constituent elements necessary for descriptions are shown.

As shown in FIG. 32 , each of the first line WL1, the first controlelectrode RL1, the second line WL2, and the second control electrode RL2is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO. Theinsulating layer 13 is sandwiched between one or more conductors of thefirst line WL1, the first control electrode RL1, the second line WL2,and the second control electrode RL2 and the remaining conductors of thefirst line WL1, the first control electrode RL1, the second line WL2,and the second control electrode RL2 (FIG. 10 ).

The above-mentioned one or more conductors are provided in the samelayer as one of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, andare formed of the same material as the one of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).The remaining conductors are provided in the same layer as the other ofthe pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, and are formed ofthe same material as the other of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).

In the fifth embodiment, the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched between aline group of the first line WL1 and the second line WL2, and anelectrode group of the first control electrode RL1 and the secondcontrol electrode RL2 (FIG. 10 ).

The first line WL1 and the second line WL2 are provided in the samelayer as the common electrode CE, formed of the same transparentconductive material as the common electrode CE, and arranged and spacedapart from each other (FIG. 7 ). The first control electrode RL1 and thesecond control electrode RL2 are provided in the same layer as the pixelelectrode PE, formed of the same transparent conductive material as thepixel electrode PE, and arranged and spaced apart from each other in theorthogonal direction dc3 (FIG. 7 ).

The first control electrode structure RE1 further includes one or morefirst metal layers ME1. The first metal layers ME1 are located in thefirst light-shielding area LSA1, are in contact with the first line WL1,and constitute the first power supply line CL1 together with the firstline WL1 (FIG. 21 ). The first metal layers ME1 contribute to thereduction in resistance of the first power supply line CL1.

The second control electrode structure RE2 further includes one or moresecond metal layers ME2. The second metal layers ME2 are located in thefirst light-shielding area LSAT, are in contact with the second lineWL2, and constitute the second power supply line CL2 together with thesecond line WL2 (FIG. 21 ). The second metal layers ME2 contribute tothe reduction in resistance of the second power supply line CL2.

Incidentally, in the fifth embodiment, the first metal layers ME1 andthe second metal layers ME2 are provided in the same layer as the metallayer ML and formed of the same metal material as the metal layer ML.

The first control electrode RL1 is located in the first range TA1 a,intersects the second line WL2, and extends in the third extendingdirection d3. The second control electrode RL2 is located in the secondrange TA1 b and extends in the third extending direction d3.

The first control electrode RL1 is in contact with the first line WL1through a contact hole ho1 formed in the insulating layer 13. The secondcontrol electrode RL2 is in contact with the second line WL2 through acontact hole ho2 formed in the insulating layer 13. In the fifthembodiment, each of the first control electrode RL1 and the secondcontrol electrode RL2 is in contact with the corresponding line WL attwo points.

Incidentally, the example that the first power supply line CL1 includesthe first metal layers ME1 and the second power supply line CL2 includesthe second metal layers ME2 has been described, but the first powersupply line CL1, the second power supply line CL2, and the lead line Lcan also be formed of a transparent conductive layer alone in a casewhere the control electrode structure RE and the lead line L are notcovered with the light-shielding layer BM or the other cases.

The first control electrode structure RE1 and the second controlelectrode structure RE2 have been described above with reference to FIG.32 , but the techniques described with reference to FIG. 32 can also beapplied to the fifth control electrode structure RE5 and the sixthcontrol electrode structure RE6.

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a third control electrode structure RE3,a fourth control electrode structure RE4, a fifth control electrodestructure RE5, a sixth control electrode structure RE6, a third leadline L3, and a fourth lead line L4 according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 33 , the liquid crystal panel PNL has the configurationcorresponding to the longitudinal electric field mode, in the secondincident light control area TA2, too.

The third control electrode structure RE3 comprises a third power supplyline CL3 and a third control electrode RL3.

The third power supply line CL3 is located in the second light-shieldingarea LSA2 and includes a third line WL3 having an annular shape and athird metal layer ME3 (FIG. 21 ). In the fifth embodiment, the thirdline WL3 has a C-letter shape and is formed to be sectioned in an areawhere the fourth lead line L4 passes. The third metal layer ME3 islocated in the second light-shielding area LSA2, is in contact with thethird line WL3, and constitutes the third power supply line CL3 togetherwith the third line WL3. The third metal layer ME3 contributes to thereduction in resistance of the third power supply line CL3. The thirdcontrol electrode RL3 is located in the second light-shielding area LSA2and the third range TA2 a and is electrically connected to the thirdline WL3 (FIG. 21 ).

The fourth control electrode structure RE4 comprises a fourth powersupply line CL4 and a fourth control electrode RL4.

The fourth power supply line CL4 is located in the secondlight-shielding area LSA2 and includes a fourth line WL4 having anannular shape and a fourth metal layer ME4 (FIG. 21 ). In the fifthembodiment, the fourth line WL4 is located on an inner side than thethird line WL3 but may be located on an outer side than the third lineWL3. In this case, the third line WL3 may be constituted in a circularshape and the fourth line WL4 may be constituted in a C-letter shape.The fourth metal layer ME4 is located in the second light-shielding areaLSA2, is in contact with the fourth line WL4, and constitutes the fourthpower supply line CL4 together with the fourth line WL4. The fourthmetal layers ME4 contributes to the reduction in resistance of thefourth power supply line CL4. The fourth control electrode RL4 islocated in the second light-shielding area LSA2 and the fourth range TA2b and is electrically connected to the fourth line WL4 (FIG. 21 ).

Each of the third line WL3, the third control electrode RL3, the fourthline WL4, and the fourth control electrode RL4 is formed of atransparent conductive material such as ITO. The insulating layer 13 issandwiched between one or more conductors of the third line WL3, thethird control electrode RL3, the fourth line WL4, and the fourth controlelectrode RL4, and the remaining conductors of the third line WL3, thethird control electrode RL3, the fourth line WL4, and the fourth controlelectrode RL4 (FIG. 10 ).

The above-mentioned one or more conductors are provided in the samelayer as one of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, andare formed of the same material as the one of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).The remaining conductors are provided in the same layer as the other ofthe pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, and are formed ofthe same material as the other of the electrodes (FIG. 7 ).

In the fifth embodiment, the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched between aline group of the third line WL3 and the fourth line WL4, and anelectrode group of the third control electrode RL3 and the fourthcontrol electrode RL4 (FIG. 10 ).

The third line WL3 and the fourth line WL4 are provided in the samelayer as the common electrode CE, formed of the same transparentconductive material as the common electrode CE, and arranged and spacedapart from each other (FIG. 7 ). The third control electrode RL3 and thefourth control electrode RL4 are provided in the same layer as the pixelelectrode PE, and formed of the same transparent conductive material asthe pixel electrode PE (FIG. 7 ).

In the fifth embodiment, the inner diameter (DI4) of the secondlight-shielding portion BM2 is, for example, 200 μm. The widths WD1 andWD2 shown in FIG. 32 are substantially 400 μm as described above. Forthis reason, the third control electrode RL3 is not separated or doesnot include a slit, in the third range TA2 a. Similarly, the fourthcontrol electrode RL4 is not separated or does not include a slit, inthe fourth range TA2 b.

The third control electrode RL3 comprises extending portions RL3 a. Inthe fifth embodiment, the third control electrode RL3 comprises aplurality of extending portions RL3 a. Each of the extending portionsRL3 a intersects the fourth line WL4, and is in contact with the thirdline WL3 through a contact hole ho3 formed in the insulating layer 13.

The fourth control electrode RL4 comprises extending portions RL4 a. Inthe fifth embodiment, the fourth control electrode RL4 comprises aplurality of extending portions RL4 a. Each of the extending portionsRL4 a is in contact with the fourth line WL4 through a contact hole ho4formed in the insulating layer 13.

In the fifth embodiment, each of the third lead line L3 and the fourthlead line L4 is composed of a stacked layer body of transparentconductive layers and metal layers.

According to the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronicdevice 100 according to the fifth embodiment configured as describedabove, the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronic device100 capable of controlling the light transmissive area of the incidentlight control area PCA can be obtained.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Δn electronic device 100 isconstituted similarly to that of the third embodiment (FIG. 20 ) exceptfor constituent elements described in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 34 is aplan view showing a liquid crystal panel PNL of an electronic device 100according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 34 , the only constituentelements necessary for descriptions are shown.

As shown in FIG. 34 , the non-display area NDA includes a firstnon-display area NDA1 including an area where an extending portion Ex ofthe first substrate SUB1 is located, a second non-display area NDA2located on a side opposite to the first non-display area NDA1 across thedisplay area DA, a third non-display area NDA3 located between the firstnon-display area NDA1 and the second non-display area NDA2, and a fourthnon-display area NDA4 located on a side opposite to the thirdnon-display area NDA3 across the display area DA.

In the sixth embodiment, when a direction in which the extending portionEx is located is referred to as a downward or lower direction, the firstnon-display area NDA1 is located on the lower side, the secondnon-display area NDA2 is located on the upper side, the thirdnon-display area NDA3 is located on the right side, and the fourthnon-display area NDA4 is located on the left side, with respect to thedisplay area DA, in the figure.

The first substrate SUB1 further includes a plurality of pads PD such asa first pad PD1, a second pad PD2, a third pad PD3, a fourth pad PD4, afifth pad PD5, a sixth pad PD6, and a seventh pad PD7. These pads PD arelocated at the extending portion Ex of the first non-display area NDA1of the first substrate SUB1 and arranged in the direction X.

The first lead line L1, the second lead line L2, the third lead line L3,the fourth lead line L4, the fifth lead line L5, and the sixth lead lineL6 cause the incident light control area PCA, the display area DA, andthe non-display area NDA to extend. In the sixth embodiment, thediaphragm DP (incident light control area PCA) is provided at a positionnear the second non-display area NDA2, of the first to fourthnon-display areas NDA1 to NDA4. For this reason, the first to sixth leadlines L1 to L6 cause the non-display area NDA to extend beyond thedisplay area DA such that the distance to cause the display area DA toextend is as short as possible.

A relationship in connection between the control electrode structure REand the pad (connection terminal) PD will be described.

As shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 22 , the first lead line L1 electricallyconnects the first control electrode structure RE1 located in the firstincident light control area TA1 to the first pad PD1. The second leadline L2 electrically connects the second control electrode structure RE2located in the first incident light control area TA1 to the second padPD2.

The third lead line L3 electrically connects the third control electrodestructure RE3 located in the second incident light control area TA2 tothe third pad PD3. The fourth lead line L4 electrically connects thefourth control electrode structure RE4 located in the second incidentlight control area TA2 to the fourth pad PD4.

The fifth lead line L5 electrically connects the fifth control electrodestructure RE5 located in the third incident light control area TA3 tothe fifth pad PD5. The sixth lead line L6 electrically connects thesixth control electrode structure RE6 located in the third incidentlight control area TA3 to the sixth pad PD6.

In the sixth embodiment, the first lead line L1, the third lead line L3,and the sixth lead line L6 cause the second non-display area NDA2, thethird non-display area NDA3, and the first non-display area NDA1 toextend, respectively. The second lead line L2, the fourth lead line L4,and the fifth lead line L5 cause the second non-display area NDA2, thefourth non-display area NDA4, and the first non-display area NDA1 toextend, respectively.

In the incident light control area PCA, the third lead line L3 and thefourth lead line L4 are sandwiched between the fifth lead line L5 andthe sixth lead line L6. The fifth lead line L5 and the sixth lead lineL6 are sandwiched between the first lead line L1 and the second leadline L2.

In the second non-display area NDA2, the third non-display area NDA3,and the first non-display area NDA1, the first lead line L1 is locatedmore closely to the display area DA side than to the sixth lead line L6,and the sixth lead line L6 is located more closely to the display areaDA side than to the third lead line L3.

In the second non-display area NDA2, the fourth non-display area NDA4,and the first non-display area NDA1, the second lead line L2 is locatedmore closely to the display area DA side than to the fifth lead line L5,and the fifth lead line L5 is located more closely to the display areaDA side than to the fourth lead line L4.

At each of the above-described first to sixth lead lines L1 to L6, aportion located in the display area DA between the non-display area NDAand the incident light control area PCA may be referred to as a leadline and a portion located in the non-display area NDA may be referredto as a peripheral line. In this case, the above-described lead linesare connected to the corresponding control electrodes RL viacorresponding lines WL. In addition, the peripheral lines extend fromthe corresponding pads PD to the corresponding lead lines in thenon-display area NDA and are connected to the corresponding pads PD andthe corresponding lead lines.

Incidentally, the diaphragm DP (incident light control area PCA) may notbe provided at a position near the second non-display area NDA2. Forexample, the diaphragm DP (incident light control area PCA) may beprovided at a position near the third non-display area NDA3, of thefirst to fourth non-display areas NDA1 to NDA4. In this case, the firstto sixth lead lines L1 to L6 may cause the third non-display area NDA3and the first non-display area NDA1 to extend, of the non-display areaNDA.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the lead lines L are usedto apply the voltage to the control electrode structures RE, but theliquid crystal panel PNL needs only to apply the voltage to the controlelectrode structure RE and may be configured without the lead lines L.For example, the control electrode structure RE and the IC chip 6 may beelectrically connected by using several signal lines S of the pluralityof signal lines S (FIG. 3 ), and the control electrode structure RE maybe driven via the signal lines S dedicated to the control electrodestructure RE.

The first substrate SUB1 further comprises an eighth pad PD8 located inthe non-display area NDA, and a connection line CO located in thenon-display area NDA to electrically connect the eighth pad PD8 to theseventh pad PD7. The second substrate SUB2 further comprises a ninth padPD9 which is located in the non-display area NDA and which at leastpartially overlaps the eighth pad PD8. A lead line Lo is electricallyconnected to the ninth pad PD9 (FIG. 23 ).

For example, the lead line Lo causes the second non-display area NDA2,the fourth non-display area NDA4, and the first non-display area NDA1 toextend and electrically connects the counter-electrode OE to the ninthpad PD9, similarly to the second lead line L2 and the like. The eighthpad PD8 is electrically connected to the ninth pad PD9 by a conductivemember (not shown). The counter-voltage can be thereby applied to thecounter-electrode OE via the seventh pad PD7, the connection line CO,the eighth pad PD8, the ninth pad PD9, the lead line Lo, and the like.

A relationship between the counter-voltage applied to thecounter-electrode OE and the first to sixth control voltages applied tothe first to sixth control electrode structures RE1 to RE6 will bedescribed.

As shown in FIG. 34 , FIG. 25 , FIG. 27 , and FIG. 29 , each of thefirst to sixth control voltages is the same as the counter-voltage underthe first condition. For example, each of the first to sixth controlvoltages and the counter-voltage is 0V during an arbitrary period underthe first condition. The liquid crystal panel PNL can set the first tothird incident light control areas TA1 to TA3 to the transmissive state.

In this case, the voltages supplied to the third non-display area NDA3by the first lead line L1, the third lead line L3, and the sixth leadline L6 do not substantially have an influence, and the voltagessupplied to the fourth non-display area NDA4 by the second lead line L2,the fourth lead line L4, and the fifth lead line L5 do not substantiallyhave an influence.

A polarity of the first control voltage is different from a polarity ofthe second control voltage with respect to the counter-voltage, underthe second condition. That is, the polarities of the first controlvoltage and the second control voltage are the reversed polarities. Apolarity of the fifth control voltage is different from a polarity ofthe sixth control voltage with respect to the counter-voltage. The thirdcontrol voltage and the fourth control voltage are the same as thecounter-voltage. For example, each of the third control voltage, thefourth control voltage, and the counter-voltage is 0V, each of the firstcontrol voltage and the fifth control voltage is +αV, and each of thesecond control voltage and the sixth control voltage is −αV, during anarbitrary period, under the above-described second condition. The liquidcrystal panel PNL can set the second incident light control area TA2 tothe transmissive state, and set the first incident light control areaTA1 and the third incident light control area TA3 to thenon-transmissive state.

In this case, the first lead line L1 and the sixth lead line L6 are setto reversed polarities, and the second lead line L2 and the fifth leadline L5 are set to reversed polarities. For this reason, influence ofthe voltage which may be given to the third non-display area NDA3 andthe fourth non-display area NDA4 can be suppressed as compared with acase where the polarities of the first lead line L1 and the sixth leadline L6 are the same as each other and the polarities of the second leadline L2 and the fifth lead line L5 are the same as each other.

A polarity of the first control voltage is different from a polarity ofthe second control voltage with respect to the counter-voltage, underthe third condition. The third control voltage, the fourth controlvoltage, the fifth control voltage, and the sixth control voltage arethe same as the counter-voltage. For example, each of the third controlvoltage, the fourth control voltage, the fifth control voltage, thesixth control voltage, and the counter-voltage is 0V, the first controlvoltage is +αV, and the second control voltage is −αV, during anarbitrary period, under the above-described third condition. The liquidcrystal panel PNL can set the second incident light control area TA2 andthe third incident light control area TA3 to the transmissive state, andset the first incident light control area TA1 to the non-transmissivestate.

In this case, the third lead line L3 and the sixth lead line L6 are setto 0V, and the fourth lead line L4 and the fifth lead line L5 are set to0V. For this reason, influence of the voltage which may be given to thethird non-display area NDA3 and the fourth non-display area NDA4 by thelead line L is small under the third condition, too.

A polarity of the first control voltage is different from a polarity ofthe second control voltage with respect to the counter-voltage, underthe fourth condition. A polarity of the fifth control voltage isdifferent from a polarity of the sixth control voltage with respect tothe counter-voltage. A polarity of the third control voltage isdifferent from a polarity of the fourth control voltage with respect tothe counter-voltage. For example, each of the first control voltage, thethird control voltage, and the fifth control voltage is +αV, and each ofthe second control voltage, the fourth control voltage, and the sixthcontrol voltage is −αV, during an arbitrary period, under theabove-described fourth condition. The liquid crystal panel PNL can setthe first to third incident light control areas TA1 to TA3 to thenon-transmissive state.

In this case, the polarities of the first lead line L1, the third leadline L3, and the sixth lead line L6 are not the same as one another, andthe polarities of the second lead line L2, the fourth lead line L4, andthe fifth lead line L5 are not the same as one another. For this reason,influence of the voltage which may be given to the third non-displayarea NDA3 and the fourth non-display area NDA4 can be suppressed ascompared with a case where the above polarities are the same as eachother.

As described above, the capacity resulting from the lead line L isbalanced in the third non-display area NDA3 and the fourth non-displayarea NDA4. For example, bad influence to the circuit located in thethird non-display area NDA3 and the fourth non-display area NDA4 can besuppressed.

According to the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronicdevice 100 according to the sixth embodiment configured as describedabove, the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronic device100 capable of controlling the light transmissive area of the incidentlight control area PCA can be obtained.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 35 is a plan viewshowing scanning lines G and signal lines S in an incident light controlarea PCA of a liquid crystal panel PNL of an electronic device 100according to a seventh embodiment. In FIG. 35 , scanning lines G arerepresented by solid lines, signal lines S are represented by dashedlines, and the inner periphery and outer periphery of the firstlight-shielding area LSAT are represented by double chain lines. In FIG.35 , the only constituent elements necessary for descriptions are shown.The electronic device 100 of the seventh embodiment is constitutedsimilarly to the electronic device 100 of any one of the above-describedfirst to sixth embodiments, except for the scanning lines G and thesignal lines S in the incident light control area PCA.

As shown in FIG. 35 , a plurality of scanning lines G are arranged inthe direction Y and spaced apart at intervals of 60 to 180 μm, in thedisplay area DA. A plurality of signal lines S are arranged in thedirection X and spaced apart at intervals of 20 to 60 μm. The scanninglines G and the signal lines S also extend in the incident light controlarea PCA.

One or more lines that cause the display area DA to extend toward thefirst incident light control area TA1, of the plurality of scanninglines G and the plurality of signal lines S, bypass the first incidentlight control area TA1 and causes the first light-shielding area LSA1 ofthe incident light control area PCA to extend. Therefore, when thediameter of the outer periphery of the first light-shielding area LSA1(first light-shielding portion BM1) is 6 to 7 mm, 30 to 120 scanninglines G and 100 to 350 signal lines S bypass the first incident lightcontrol area TA1 and are arranged in the first light-shielding area LSA1covered with the first light-shielding portion BM1. For this reason,even when the incident light control area PCA surrounded by the displayarea DA exists, the scanning lines G, the signal lines S, and the likecan be arranged desirably.

According to the liquid crystal display device DSP and the electronicdevice 100 according to the seventh embodiment configured as describedabove, the same advantage as those of the above-described embodimentscan be obtained since the electronic device 100 is configured similarlyto the electronic device 100 of the above-described embodiments.

Eighth Embodiment

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. First, a relationshipbetween a gap Ga of the liquid crystal layer LC and the transmittanceand response speed will be described. FIG. 36 is a graph showing avariation of a light transmittance to the gap Ga of a liquid crystallayer LC and a variation of a response speed of liquid crystal to thegap Ga, on a liquid crystal panel PNL of an electronic device 100according to an eighth embodiment. The electronic device 100 isconstituted similarly to that of the third embodiment (FIG. 20 ) exceptfor constituent elements described in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 36 shows a relationship between the gap Ga shown in FIG. 20 and theresponse speed of the liquid crystal. It can be understood that theresponse speed of the liquid crystal becomes higher as the gap Ga ismade narrower. Incidentally, in the present specification, the responsespeed of the liquid crystal is referred to as a speed at which theliquid crystal molecules change from the initial alignment to apredetermined state of what is called a speed at rise. Thus, in theeighth embodiment, a second gap Ga2 is set to be smaller than a firstgap Ga1 (Ga2<Ga1). For example, the second gap Ga2 is set to a half ofthe first gap Ga1 (Ga2=Ga1/2).

The response speed of the liquid crystal in each of the first controlliquid crystal layer LC1, the second control liquid crystal layer LC2,and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3 in the incident lightcontrol area PCA can be thereby made higher than the response speed ofthe liquid crystal in the display liquid crystal layer LCI in thedisplay area DA. For example, the incident light control area PCA(diaphragm DP) of the liquid crystal panel PNL can be caused to functionas a liquid crystal shutter.

The shutter speed is required to be higher than or equal to 0.001seconds in some cases and, for the incident light control area PCA whichfunctions as the liquid crystal shutter, the time at which the voltageis applied to the control electrode RL becomes shorter than the time atwhich the voltage is applied to the pixel electrode PE. Therefore, theresponse speed of the liquid crystal driven by the control electrode RLis also required to be higher.

However, it should be noticed that the light transmittance in theincident light control area PCA becomes lower as the second gap Ga2 ismade narrower.

Incidentally, the first gap Ga1 may be made narrower, and the responsespeed of the liquid crystal in the display liquid crystal layer LCI canbe made higher. However, it should be noticed that the lighttransmittance in the display area DA becomes lower and the displayimages become darker.

Next, a relationship between the voltage applied to the liquid crystallayer LC and the response speed will be described. FIG. 37 is a graphshowing a variation of a response speed of the liquid crystal to avoltage applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, according to the eighthembodiment. In FIG. 37 , the second gap Ga2 is set to 1.7 μm.

As shown in FIG. 37 , it can be understood that the response speed ofthe liquid crystal becomes higher as the potential difference betweenthe control electrode structure RE and the counter-electrode OE is madelarger. When the incident light control area PCA (diaphragm DP) iscaused to function as the liquid crystal shutter, the response speed ofthe liquid crystal is desirably slower than or equal to 1.0 ms. It canbe understood that when the response speed of the liquid crystal slowerthan or equal to 1.0 ms is to be obtained, the voltage (absolute valueof the voltage) applied between the control electrode structure RE andthe counter-electrode OE needs to be higher than or equal to 13V.

For example, when changing the state of the first incident light controlarea TA1, the second incident light control area TA2, and the thirdincident light control area TA3 from the transmissive state to thenon-transmissive state at a high speed, a voltage higher than or equalto 13V may be applied to the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, thesecond control liquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquidcrystal layer LC3.

Incidentally, when causing the incident light control area PCA(diaphragm DP) to function as the liquid crystal shutter, each of theabsolute value of the voltage applied to the first control liquidcrystal layer LC1, the absolute value of the voltage applied to thesecond control liquid crystal layer LC2, and the absolute value of thevoltage applied to the third control liquid crystal layer LC3 is higherthan the absolute value of the voltage applied to the display liquidcrystal layer LCI.

Based on the above, with respect to the voltage, too, the response speedof the liquid crystal in each of the first control liquid crystal layerLC1, the second control liquid crystal layer LC2, and the third controlliquid crystal layer LC3 in the incident light control area PCA can bemade higher than the response speed of the liquid crystal in the displayliquid crystal layer LCI in the display area DA.

The incident light control area PCA (diaphragm DP) of the liquid crystalpanel PNL can function as a first liquid crystal shutter by changing thefourth condition to the first condition and then changing back the stateto the fourth condition. The liquid crystal panel PNL can obtain thefirst liquid crystal shutter by simultaneously changing the state of thefirst incident light control area TA1, the second incident light controlarea TA2, and the third incident light control area TA3 from thenon-transmissive state to the transmissive state and then changing backthe state to the non-transmissive state.

When changing back the state of the first incident light control areaTA1, the second incident light control area TA2, and the third incidentlight control area TA3 from the transmissive state to thenon-transmissive state as described above, the liquid crystal panel PNLsimultaneously applies a voltage higher than or equal to 13V to thefirst control liquid crystal layer LC1, the second control liquidcrystal layer LC2, and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3 tosimultaneously drive the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, thesecond control liquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquidcrystal layer LC3.

The incident light control area PCA (diaphragm DP) of the liquid crystalpanel PNL can function as a second liquid crystal shutter by changingthe fourth condition to the second condition and then changing back thestate to the fourth condition. The liquid crystal panel PNL can obtainthe second liquid crystal shutter by changing the state of the secondincident light control area TA2 from the non-transmissive state to thetransmissive state and then changing back the state to thenon-transmissive state in a state in which the first incident lightcontrol area TA1 and the third incident light control area TA3 are heldin the non-transmissive state. The second liquid crystal shutter cancause the diaphragm DP to function both the pinhole and the shutter.

Incidentally, the voltage applied to the first control liquid crystallayer LC1 and the third control liquid crystal layer LC3 may be lowerthan 13V during a period of holding the first incident light controlarea TA1 and the third incident light control area TA3 in thenon-transmissive state. For example, the voltage applied to the firstcontrol liquid crystal layer LC1 and the third control liquid crystallayer LC3 to hold the first incident light control area TA1 and thethird incident light control area TA3 in the non-transmissive state maybe the same level as the voltage applied to the display liquid crystallayer LCI.

When changing back the state of the second incident light control areaTA2 from the transmissive state to the non-transmissive state asdescribed above, the liquid crystal panel PNL applies the voltage higherthan or equal to 13V to the second control liquid crystal layer LC2 todrive the second control liquid crystal layer LC2.

The incident light control area PCA (diaphragm DP) of the liquid crystalpanel PNL can function as a third liquid crystal shutter by changing thefourth condition to the third condition and then changing back the stateto the fourth condition. The liquid crystal panel PNL can obtain thethird liquid crystal shutter by simultaneously changing the secondincident light control area TA2 and the third incident light controlarea TA3 from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state andthen changing back the state to the non-transmissive state in a state inwhich the first incident light control area TA1 is held in thenon-transmissive state. The third liquid crystal shutter can cause thediaphragm DP to comprise the function of narrowing the incident lightand the shutter function.

The diaphragm and the shutter speed need to be adjusted to obtain adesired image and, thus, the voltage applied to the first control liquidcrystal layer LC1 may be lower than 13V during a period of holding thefirst incident light control area TA1 in the non-transmissive state.

When changing back the state of the second incident light control areaTA2 and the third incident light control area TA3 from the transmissivestate to the non-transmissive state as described above, the liquidcrystal panel PNL simultaneously applies a voltage higher than or equalto 13V to the second control liquid crystal layer LC2 and the thirdcontrol liquid crystal layer LC3 to simultaneously drive the secondcontrol liquid crystal layer LC2 and the third control liquid crystallayer LC3.

By causing the incident light control area PCA (diaphragm DP) of theliquid crystal panel PNL to function as the liquid crystal shutter, notonly a subject in a stationary state, but a moving subject can bedesirably captured. The liquid crystal panel PNL can cause the incidentlight control area PCA to function as the liquid crystal shutter whileconcentrically controlling the light transmissive area in the incidentlight control area PCA.

According to the electronic device 100 of the eighth embodimentconfigured as described above, the electronic device 100 capable ofdesirably imaging can be obtained.

The techniques described in the eighth embodiment can also be applied tothe other embodiments. For example, the techniques described in theeighth embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment. In the firstembodiment, the mode of the incident light control area PCA of theliquid crystal panel PNL is the normally-black mode. For this reason,when changing the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state, theliquid crystal panel PNL may apply the voltage higher than or equal to13V to the first control liquid crystal layer LC1, the second controlliquid crystal layer LC2, and the third control liquid crystal layerLC3.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 9 , the linearly extending controlelectrode RL can be referred to as a linear electrode, and the powersupply line CL having an annular shape can be referred to as an annularline.

The above-described insulating layer can be referred to as an insulatingfilm.

The above-described incident light control area can be referred to as anincident light limitation area.

The above-described non-display area NDA can be referred to a peripheralarea.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions. It is possible to combine two or more theembodiments with each other if needed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a liquid crystalpanel; and a camera, the liquid crystal panel including a display areaand an incident light control area, the display area including a pixelelectrode, the camera overlapping the incident light control area, theincident light control area including an annular line, and a controlelectrode formed inside the annular line to be connected to the annularline, the control electrode including a first linear control electrodethat has both of end parts connected to the annular line, a time inwhich a voltage is applied to the control electrode being shorter than atime in which a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the incident light control areaincludes an annular light-shielding portion, and an annular incidentlight control portion having an outer periphery which is in contact withthe annular light-shielding portion, the annular line is formed at theannular light-shielding portion, and the control electrode is formed atthe annular incident light control portion.
 3. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, asecond substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between thefirst substrate and the second substrate, the display area includes afirst gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, theincident light control area includes a second gap between the firstsubstrate and the second substrate, and the second gap is smaller thanthe first gap.
 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein an absolutevalue of a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the incidentlight control area is higher than an absolute value of a voltage appliedto the liquid crystal layer of the display area.
 5. The electronicdevice of claim 2, wherein the annular line includes a first annularline and a second annular line adjacent to an inside of the firstannular line.
 6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the controlelectrode includes: a first control electrode connected to the firstannular line and; a second control electrode connected to the secondannular line.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controlelectrode includes: a second linear control electrode having an end partconnected to the annular line and the other end part that is notconnected to the annular line.
 8. An electronic device comprising: aliquid crystal panel including a first substrate, a second substrate,and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and thesecond substrate; and a camera, the liquid crystal panel including adisplay area where an image is displayed and an incident light controlarea, the display area including a pixel electrode, light from outsidebeing passed through the incident light control area and being madeincident on the camera, the incident light control area including anannular line, and a control electrode formed inside the annular line tobe connected to the annular line, the control electrode including afirst linear control electrode that has both of end parts connected tothe annular line, a time in which a voltage is applied to the controlelectrode being shorter than a time in which a voltage is applied to thepixel electrode.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein theincident light control area includes an annular light-shielding portion,and an annular incident light control portion having an outer peripherywhich is in contact with the annular light-shielding portion, theannular line is formed at the annular light-shielding portion, and thecontrol electrode is formed at the annular incident light controlportion.
 10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the display areaincludes a first gap between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate, the incident light control area includes a second gap betweenthe first substrate and the second substrate, and the second gap issmaller than the first gap.
 11. The electronic device of claim 10,wherein an absolute value of a voltage applied to the liquid crystallayer of the incident light control area is higher than an absolutevalue of a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the displayarea.
 12. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the annular lineincludes a first annular line and a second annular line adjacent to aninside of the first annular line.
 13. The electronic device of claim 8,wherein the control electrode includes: a second linear controlelectrode having an end part connected to the annular line and the otherend part that is not connected to the annular line.
 14. An electronicdevice comprising: a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquidcrystal panel and an illumination device; and a camera disposed in anopening formed in the illumination device, the liquid crystal panelincluding a display area where an image is displayed and an incidentlight control area, light from outside being passed through the incidentlight control area and being made incident on the camera, the displayarea including a pixel electrode, the incident light control areaincluding an annular light-shielding portion, and an annular incidentlight control portion having an outer periphery which is in contact withthe annular light-shielding portion, the annular light-shielding portionincluding an annular line, the annular incident light control portionbeing disposed inside the annular line and including a control electrodeconnected to the annular line, the control electrode including a firstlinear control electrode that has both of end parts connected to theannular line, a time elapsed from start of application of a voltage tothe control electrode until end of the application being shorter than atime elapsed from start of application of a voltage to the pixelelectrode until end of the application.
 15. The electronic device ofclaim 14, wherein the liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, asecond substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between thefirst substrate and the second substrate, the display area includes afirst gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, theincident light control area includes a second gap between the firstsubstrate and the second substrate, and the second gap is smaller thanthe first gap.
 16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein anabsolute value of a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of theincident light control area is higher than an absolute value of avoltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the display area.
 17. Theelectronic device of claim 15, wherein the annular line includes a firstannular line and a second annular line adjacent to an inside of thefirst annular line.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein thecontrol electrode includes a first control electrode connected to thefirst annular line and a second control electrode connected to thesecond annular line.
 19. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein thecontrol electrode includes: a second linear control electrode having anend part connected to the annular line and the other end part that isnot connected to the annular line.